Species Name: Holacanthus tricolor

Authority: (Bloch, 1795)

Common Name: Rock Beauty

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas and most of the Caribbean

Size: 12 inches - 30 cm

Natural Environment: Inhabits rubble reefs and in heavy coral growths at depths between 3 to 130 feet (1 - 40 m)

General Husbandry: Prefer a temperature of 70 - 76°F (21 - 24°C) and their natural diet consists mainly of crustaceans, sponges, tunicates and some algae. Needs numerous feedings per day consisting of live or frozen enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, foods containing sponge particles, flake foods containing Spirulina, and even pieces of fresh broccoli, which is a source of vitamins A and C, and/or fresh Caulerpa. However, juveniles need a diet with a greater content of green-type foods/algae. Do not overfeed meaty foods as it may lead to a fatty deposit around the liver that could stop production of vitamin A. This could cause blindness, often referred to as nutritional blindness. Juveniles and subadults are more aggressive than adults; therefore chose tankmates carefully, as slower moving animals may be damaged. Not suited for reef aquariums containing stony corals, but may be safe with some soft corals, but not gorgonians. Adults should not be housed in anything less than 125 gallon tank and should be the last species added. This is a very popular species that should be bought while very small, about 2 inches (5 cm). They are then easy to transition to aquarium life, as larger specimens fair poorly. May be sensitive to bright light, which could induce blindness. An active swimmer and needs lots of room.

Aquarium Suitability: Basically a sponge eater, therefore never purchase an adult, as they are almost impossible to feed on anything but sponge material. Also they have a habit of nipping their tankmates.