Overview
- Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds.
- Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots.
- Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef aquariums.
- Popular among hobbyists for its attractive appearance and unique schooling behavior.
Feeding
- Carnivorous; naturally consumes small crustaceans, zooplankton, and small fish.
- Accepts frozen and live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
- Feed multiple small meals daily for optimal health and coloration.
- A varied diet is crucial to maintain health and vitality.
Habitat
- Suitable for smaller aquariums (minimum 30 gallons) with gentle water flow and plenty of hiding places.
- A mature, stable aquarium environment with consistent water quality is important.
- Provide live rock, caves, and branching corals to replicate their natural environment.
- Moderate filtration and gentle water circulation recommended to maintain ideal water parameters.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Recommended pH: 8.1-8.4; specific gravity: 1.020-1.025.
- Generally hardy, but sensitive to abrupt changes; regular water testing and maintenance required.
- Watch closely for signs of marine diseases; early treatment ensures the best outcomes.
Compatibility
- Peaceful and social; best kept with other non-aggressive fish.
- Ideal for reef aquariums; safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates.
- Recommended tank mates include small reef-safe fish such as gobies, dartfish, clownfish, and other peaceful marine species.
- Usually kept in small groups to showcase their natural schooling behavior.
Aquarium Behavior
- Typically peaceful, calm swimmers often observed hovering in groups around coral formations.
- Displays unique and captivating social interactions, particularly when kept in small schools.
- Non-aggressive; suitable for peaceful community settings.
- Providing ample hiding places and open swimming areas promotes natural behavior and reduces stress.