Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Belize to Panama, and most of the Caribbean.
Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coral rich reefs and usually found at depths between 10 to about 50 feet (3 – 15 m) where it feeds mainly on crustaceans and smaller fishes.
General Husbandry: Uncommon in the trade as its quite drab having a dark brownish/black body and fins.
Best maintained in aquaria having rock caves and crevices, as those in this genus are somewhat shy and prefer places to take shelter when feeling the need. Tankmates should be large enough not to be eaten and peaceful.
As to diet, will eat most regular aquarium foods, e.g., live fortified brine shrimp and/or finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc., and should be offered once or twice daily.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae
Genus: Hypoplectrus
FYI: One per aquarium.
Will eat ornamental shrimp.
Experience Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
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
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F (22 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
