Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: Gulf of Californian/Sea of Cortez to Panama and Galapagos Islands.
Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow rocky lagoons and reef areas and usually found at depths between 6 – 85 feet (2 – 25 m) where it feeds on crustaceans/zooplankton.
General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade with the adult male sometimes exhibiting its terminal phase coloring, which has a greenish/reddish/bluish face, a wide yellow vertical bar just aft of the head, with the remaining body reddish with fine vertical white lines.
Because this species is mainly a zooplankton feeder, it can be maintained with peaceful slightly larger tankmates in reef or fish-only aquariums having rocky crevices and caves to hunt and hide in. It will also quickly burrow into the sand bed if frightened, and occasionally for sleeping at night. May search bottom areas for tasty bottom dwelling invertebrates, e.g., ornamental shrimp and snails. Keep in mind those in this genus are highly active swimmers and are constantly on the go.
Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and other meaty type marine-based frozen for fresh foods, and should be fed three times daily. Will also accept flake and other dry foods, such as pellet foods.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Labroidei
Family: Labridae
Genus: Thalassoma
FYI: Will jump out of uncovered aquariums.
One male per aquarium.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Coral Safe: Yes
Fish Safe: With caution
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Tankmates: Peaceful, yet larger
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperature Range: 74 - 82°F (23 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
