Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: East, West and South Coasts of Australia

Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit caves and under ledges from a depths of 65 - 800 feet (20 - 250 m)

General Husbandry: Prefer a temperature range of 68 - 76°F (20 - 24°C). Has a natural diet of benthic invertebrate. Requires a live meaty diet, preferably small shrimp such as grass, brine shrimp or mysis. Fairly hardy in the aquarium once settled in. Similar in appearance to M. japonicus. Has a light organ on the jaw, and the light produced by juveniles is green, yet reddish in adults. Has been weaned from live foods to nonliving foods, yet is usually a difficult process. During the day, they need caves to hide in. They venture out during the evening hours in search of food, usually small fish and shrimp. Feedings should occur during evening hours. Non-aggressive towards other fishes.

Aquarium Suitability: * * * * *