Range: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Comoro, Madagascar and Mauritius Islands, and north Gulf of Oman

Size: Up to 17 in (43 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit coral rich areas in lagoons and seaward reefs

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C) and has a natural diet of benthic invertebrate. Need a meaty diet, i.e., chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, scallops, and squid, and requires two or three feedings per day. Juveniles prefer mysis and enriched brine shrimp, also black worms. Will eat snails and shrimp. Provide lots of swimming room, however, also needs an ample amount of hiding places. However, grows too large for most hobbyist aquariums. Rarely seen in the trade.

Aquarium Suitability: * * & * * * *