Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

This species is boldly aggressive and highly territorial, exhibiting a 'big fish in a small body' attitude. They are constantly alert, patrolling their territory with a vigilant and feisty demeanor. They are highly entertaining but must be housed with fish that can tolerate their assertive nature.

Diet

Carnivore

A varied carnivorous diet is mandatory for this active predator to maintain peak health. They should be fed a mix of frozen marine preparations, such as mysis and brine shrimp, along with high-quality carnivore pellets. They will also happily hunt and consume small, beneficial bristleworms in the substrate.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Keeping more than one of these fish in a standard aquarium usually leads to deadly consequences. They are fiercely intolerant of conspecifics and will fight to the death. They must be kept singly unless a bonded pair is acquired for a dedicated breeding setup.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be offered small amounts of food two to three times daily. This feeding schedule mimics their natural foraging behavior and keeps aggression levels somewhat in check. Watch carefully during feeding to ensure no food is left to decay and foul the water.

Bioload

This fish adds a moderate bioload to the system, heavily dependent on the frequency and amount of feeding. Their high-protein diet requires robust filtration, including an effective protein skimmer, to manage dissolved organics. Routine maintenance schedules will easily handle the waste they produce.

Flow

Moderate

Moderate to high water movement is preferred, reflecting the turbulent reef crests they inhabit naturally. Good flow ensures detritus is kept in suspension and removed by the filtration system. They are agile swimmers that enjoy playing in the stronger currents.

Jump risk

Yes

They are extreme jump risks and will readily leap from an uncovered tank if startled. A secure, custom-fit mesh lid or tight canopy is absolutely vital for their safety. Care must be taken not to leave gaps around the edges or near filter inputs.

Reproduction

Bidirectional hermaphrodite

While breeding is documented, it is a demanding process for the aquarist. The male selects a cave and guards the clutch of eggs fiercely until the larvae hatch. Raising the microscopic fry is the main challenge, requiring a steady supply of specialized zooplankton cultures.

Compatibility & tankmates

Aggressive

They are highly territorial and can be a menace to smaller, peaceful reef fish. They often claim large sections of the aquarium's rockwork and will aggressively defend it. It is best to house them with tough, larger species like tangs, triggers, or large angelfish.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are strongly associated with the benthic regions of the tank, hovering near the rockwork. They spend their time hiding in caves and defending their chosen territory from intruders. They seldom venture into the upper third of the aquarium.