Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean: Red Sea to Line, Marquesas, and Tuamotu Islands, southern Japan, and southern Great Barrier Reef

Size: Up to 10 in (25 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit outer reef faces and fore-reef slopes

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 80°F (22 - 27°C) and has a natural diet of small fishes and benthic invertebrates and feeds mainly during evening hours. Requires a meaty diet such as enriched chopped fish or shrimp flesh, mysis, frozen brine shrimp, and/or frozen carnivore foods with one or two feedings per day. Generally nocturnal, and somewhat colorful, yet mostly crevice and cave dwellers. Better in small groups than individuals or a pair, as one may pick on the other. Should have numerous hiding places, caves, and overhangs in the aquarium. Not really safe with anything that could be swallowed, and rarely seen in the trade. Has a large spine that is venomous.

Aquarium Suitability: * * * *