Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: East Africa to Fiji, north to the Ryukyus Islands and south to Australia

Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit weedy or seagrass areas in protected lagoons

General Husbandry: Temperature range of 72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C). Their natural diet consists of plant material and any associated invertebrate they can find. Requires a varied diet of meaty and marine algae with numerous feedings per day. Should have an environment with lots of seagrass or at least macroalgae. Not suited for the invertebrate aquarium or often seen in the trade. To discourage predators they can raise their first dorsal fin and/or grind their front teeth, i.e., incisors, producing a low-pitched growling sound. They are slow movers, do not do well in aquariums with swift water movement, and have extremely abrasive skin. They are sometimes called "leatherjackets" because of their skin texture.

Aquarium Suitability: * *