Overview
- Native to the Indo-West Pacific, commonly found around coral-rich reefs and lagoons.
- Recognizable by its distinctive body marked with vertical black bars over a pale background, and vibrant blue highlights on fins.
- Known for a bold, territorial personality, making it suitable for experienced aquarists.
- Requires careful management due to its aggressive tendencies and specialized habitat needs.
Feeding
- Omnivorous diet, naturally consuming sponges, algae, tunicates, coral polyps, and small invertebrates.
- In captivity, provide a diverse diet including marine algae sheets, sponge-based foods, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.
- Frequent daily feedings are essential to maintain health, coloration, and activity.
- Dietary supplements with algae and sponges recommended for nutritional completeness.
Habitat
- Requires large aquariums (minimum 180 gallons) with ample swimming space and structured live rock formations.
- Stable and mature aquarium conditions are critical for long-term health.
- Plenty of caves and hiding spots needed to replicate their natural reef environments and reduce stress.
- Strong filtration and moderate water circulation are necessary for optimal water quality.
Fish Care
- Preferred water temperature: 74-79°F (23-26°C).
- Recommended pH level: 8.1-8.4; specific gravity: 1.020-1.025.
- Sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters; regular monitoring and careful maintenance essential.
- Vigilant observation for marine diseases and parasites; early intervention crucial for successful care.
Compatibility
- Semi-aggressive; best housed with similarly sized, temperament-compatible species.
- Not reef-safe; tends to nip at corals, sponges, and ornamental invertebrates.
- Suitable tank mates include larger tangs, wrasses, and other semi-aggressive marine species.
- Territorial behavior requires ample space and careful management to prevent conflicts.
Aquarium Behavior
- Bold and territorial, actively patrolling and defending territory.
- May initially be shy as juveniles but become assertive and interactive as they mature.
- Engages actively with caretakers, particularly at feeding times.
- Providing ample hiding spaces and clear territory boundaries helps manage aggression and stress.