Range: East Indian Ocean and Western Pacific and from Gulf of Bengal to the Philippines and Japan

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal reef-like rocky areas, usually covered in some form of algae

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 to 83°F (22 - 28°C). About 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and a phytoplankton feeder, not a sand stirrer. Spends most of its time on rocks or aquarium side panels. If it grows smaller, it is starving and may die. Since they are capable of releasing toxic mucus when stressed by lack of food, tankmates, poor or excess current, etc, its very possible it will kill fish, although probably not other invertebrates. Therefore it's safer to remove specimens that are becoming smaller or stressed. I have used the Marc Weiss SpectraVital, an organic vegetable based product along with preserved and live phytoplankton products to keep it healthy. Needs daily feedings. Quite expensive, and not commonly seen in the trade.