Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Indo-Malayan region to Australia, north to Japan

Size: Up to 12 inches (31 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit weedy or seagrass areas

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 and caves to hide in when feeling threatened. 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. Not suited for the invertebrate aquarium, nor often seen in the trade.

Aquarium Suitability: * *