Range: Wide-ranging in Indo-Pacific Ocean

Size: up to 18 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Found mostly high in the water column over shallow reef areas

General Husbandry: Prefer a temperature range of 72 - 79°F (22 - 26°C). Feeds upon benthic invertebrates. Requires a varied yet mostly meaty diet with numerous daily feedings. Do not offer floating foods as it can cause buoyancy problems. A slow moving fish, therefore, it should not be housed with fast moving and/or fin-nipping fishes. Provide hiding places/caves. Capable of releasing a toxin when older that can kill all fishes in the aquarium including itself. Stress from tankmates, competition during feeding, little swimming room can cause the release. Activated carbon will remove the toxin, however, it's usually too late to save it or its tankmates once it happens.

Aquarium Suitability: * * & * * * *