Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific, found in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky coastal environments.
- Easily identified by its dark body adorned with six horizontal yellow lines running from head to tail.
- Capable of excreting toxic mucus as a defense mechanism against predators.
- Solitary in nature, preferring to stay hidden among rock crevices during the day.
- A slow-moving yet efficient ambush predator that preys on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, mainly consuming small fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans.
- Prefers live foods but can be conditioned to eat frozen and prepared marine foods.
- Readily accepts squid, silversides, and chopped seafood in captivity.
- Best fed multiple times per week to maintain a healthy weight and activity level.
- Care should be taken to avoid housing with small tank mates that may be mistaken for prey.
Habitat
- Inhabits coral reefs, overhangs, and rocky reef formations at depths of up to 50 meters.
- Requires an aquarium with ample rockwork for hiding and territory establishment.
- Prefers dimly lit areas and will often retreat into caves when startled.
- Thrives in well-oxygenated environments with stable water parameters.
- A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended due to its potential size and territorial behavior.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- Requires high-quality filtration to handle its carnivorous diet and waste production.
- Not suitable for reef tanks as it may prey on ornamental crustaceans and small fish.
- Care should be taken when handling due to its toxic skin secretion, which can harm tank mates.
Compatibility
- Best suited for predator-specific or semi-aggressive community tanks.
- Compatible with larger fish such as groupers, lionfish, and triggers.
- Should not be housed with small or delicate species that could become prey.
- Prefers a tank with minimal aggression but can defend itself if necessary.
- Does best in a tank where it can establish its own territory without frequent disturbances.
Aquarium Behavior
- Mostly nocturnal, becoming more active during evening hours.
- Spends much of its time hiding in rock crevices and coral caves.
- Exhibits ambush predation, waiting for prey to pass before striking.
- Can become bold once acclimated but remains slow-moving and deliberate.
- Thrives in an environment with consistent feeding and stable water quality.