Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: East and South Africa, and the Arabian Gulf

Size: up to 3 inches (7 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit coral rubble areas at a depth of 30 to 130 feet (10 - 40 m) and is found in small groups

General Husbandry: Prefer a temperature of 77 - 82°F (25 - 28°C) and natural diet consists mainly of algae and detritus. Feed a varied diet, including Spirulina flake several times a day. Hardy, but can be 'quite' aggressive, especially in smaller aquariums, and best if the last fish introduced. Needs sufficient hiding areas/caves and may nip mantles of clams and large polyp corals. Possibly, a bare bottom tank containing much coral rubble and rocks forming caves and crevices might be the best environment for these fish. Reason being they also feed on detritus, and bare bottom tanks make it easier for them to access areas containing this medium. It's also quite easy to occasionally clean areas under loosely stacked rock and rubble in bare bottom tanks with the flow from a powerhead.

Aquarium Suitability: *