Range: Western Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands to Australia

Size: up to 14 inches (35 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit coastal lagoons with juveniles found in mangrove/brackish waters

General Husbandry: A small four-inch tall specimen can out grow a 75 gallon aquarium in one year! Their diet consists of plankton, algae, small fishes, jelly fish, worms, and other small invertebrate. Live brine shrimp fortified with an enrichment type product such as Selco, along with some live guppies is a good way to get them feeding in captivity. Slow moving with large fin areas, therefore do not include with fin nippers in the aquarium. A peaceful fish and needs a very deep tank. Fond of earthworms. Best kept in a dimly lit tank with few decorations. Purchase the smallest individuals possible as they will give you the best chance at long-term survival. Very susceptible to secondary bacteria infections, therefore, never purchase one with any visible damage. Even though P. pinnatus appears in the trade frequently, it's probably better left in nature as very few survive for any appreciable time (more than a few months) in captivity.

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