Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean: East Africa to Marquesan and Mangareva Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia

Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal reefs and shallow to fairly deep lagoons

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 80°F (22 - 27°C) and natural diet consists mainly of shrimp and crabs. Requires a meaty diet, i.e., enriched live brine shrimp, mysis, chunky chopped fish or shrimp flesh, and/or carnivore frozen foods, with two or three feedings per week. Should not be fed freshwater feeder fishes too often, as that can cause kidney and liver damage. Use live grass shrimp and/or saltwater Mollies, and try to wean off live foods. Prefer dimly lit environments and don't forget it has venomous spines! Choose tankmates carefully, as anything small enough to be eaten, will be eaten. Also, do not keep with fast moving tankmates that may damage/pick on its fins.

Aquarium Suitability: * *