Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
- Recognized by its unique reticulated pattern, with a combination of dark and light patches across its body.
- A hardy and adaptable species that thrives in a variety of reef environments.
- Can be territorial, especially as it matures, making careful tankmate selection crucial.
- Best suited for aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock formations, and ample swimming space.
Feeding
- Omnivorous, feeding on plankton, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild.
- Thrives on a diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and algae-based foods.
- Readily accepts prepared foods but benefits from occasional live or frozen food supplementation.
- Should be fed multiple times per day to maintain energy levels and promote optimal health.
- A well-balanced diet enhances coloration and supports a strong immune system.
Habitat
- Prefers reef-associated environments with moderate water flow and diverse coral structures.
- Frequently seen schooling near coral heads, branching corals, and reef outcroppings.
- Aquarium setups should include live rock for shelter and open areas for swimming.
- Requires stable water parameters and high-quality filtration to prevent stress.
- Providing shaded areas and structured environments supports natural schooling behaviors.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to maintain health and activity.
- Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
- Requires regular water changes and high-quality filtration to maintain clean water conditions.
- Reef-safe but can display territorial behavior towards smaller tankmates, particularly in confined spaces.
- Providing rock formations and coral branches helps reduce aggression by allowing fish to establish territories.
Compatibility
- Semi-aggressive and best kept with other similarly robust fish.
- Compatible with clownfish, wrasses, tangs, and other moderately tempered reef species.
- Should not be housed with timid or slow-moving fish that may become targets of aggression.
- Best kept in small groups to distribute aggression among their own species.
- Providing a well-structured environment with sufficient swimming space reduces territorial disputes.
Aquarium Behavior
- An energetic swimmer that establishes small territories around rock and coral formations.
- Frequently observed schooling in younger stages but may become more solitary or aggressive as it matures.
- More confident and less aggressive when given enough space and structured environments.
- Providing a natural reef-like setup encourages active swimming and natural social behaviors.
- Over time, it may recognize its caretaker and become more interactive, especially during feeding sessions.