Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean: western Australia and Malaysia to Marquesas Islands and the Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan and southern Korea, south to Lord Howe, Kermadec and Austral Islands

Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit coral reefs near caves

General Husbandry: Has a wide temperature range of 62 - 82°F (17 - 28°C) and natural diet consists mainly of small fishes. 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: * * & * * * *