Crazy Fish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Coastal lagoons, muddy estuaries, and slow-flowing rivers across the Indo-West Pacific, near sunken debris.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Eleotridae. Features an elongated body with a flattened, pointed head. Grows up to 15 cm.

Social Behavior: Inactive ambush predator. Floats motionless upside down or sideways near decor to mimic decaying leaves.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Mottled brown, grey, or black body for camouflage. Spawning males show bright red margins on their fins.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank decorated with plenty of vertical driftwood branches and dry leaves to facilitate camouflage behavior.

Diet and Feeding: Strict carnivore. Feeds on live shrimp and small fish, but can be transitioned to frozen krill and lancefish. Ignores dry flakes.

Water Quality: Best kept in brackish water (SG 1.005). Ensure low nitrate levels and gentle water currents.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Only keep with large brackish fish. Avoid tankmates small enough to fit inside its wide mouth.

Aquarium Breeding: Rare in captivity. Eggs are laid on flat surfaces and guarded by the male. Fry need tiny live foods.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to skin fungus if kept in pure freshwater for life. Requires stable water parameters.