Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found on reef slopes and coral-rich lagoons.
- Distinctive appearance featuring a vibrant pinkish-purple body with a prominent square-shaped pink or lavender marking on its sides.
- A peaceful schooling species valued for its striking coloration and active swimming behavior.
- Recommended for intermediate to advanced marine aquarists due to specialized dietary and environmental needs.
Feeding
- Planktivorous; naturally feeds on zooplankton and small marine organisms.
- Requires frequent feedings of high-quality foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and specialized planktonic diets.
- Multiple daily feedings necessary to maintain health, coloration, and vitality.
- Dietary variety and regular feeding schedule crucial for long-term nutritional balance and health.
Habitat
- Thrives in medium to large aquariums (minimum 75 gallons) with ample open swimming spaces and structured live rock formations.
- Stable, mature aquarium conditions with excellent water quality essential.
- Include numerous hiding places and reef structures to replicate their natural habitat.
- Moderate to strong water circulation and effective filtration required for optimal water quality.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Recommended pH level: 8.1-8.4; specific gravity: 1.020-1.025.
- Sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters; consistent monitoring and diligent maintenance important.
- Regular observation for marine diseases necessary; early detection and intervention crucial.
Compatibility
- Peaceful; best kept in groups consisting of one male and several females to encourage natural social behaviors.
- Reef-safe; compatible with corals and ornamental invertebrates.
- Ideal tank mates include peaceful wrasses, gobies, dartfish, clownfish, and other non-aggressive reef-friendly species.
- Avoid aggressive or territorial species to maintain a peaceful community environment.
Aquarium Behavior
- Highly active swimmers, commonly observed schooling in open water above reef structures.
- Peaceful and social, exhibiting best behaviors in small groups.
- Ideal for community reef aquariums due to their non-aggressive nature.
- Providing ample swimming space, suitable hiding places, and compatible tank mates enhances natural behaviors and reduces stress.