Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: New Jersey to Brazil and also the Indo-West Pacific Ocean: South Africa to Society Islands, north to Southern Japan, and south to New Zealand and Australia.
Size: 8 inches (20 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy and muddy areas on rocky reefs rich in sponges and usually at depths over 100 feet (30 m) and feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.
General Husbandry: Rarely seen the trade because of its collection depths, yet one of the more interesting species in this family because it’s angling lure actually emits a chemical that attracts a meaty meal near enough to be swallowed.
Can be maintained in fish-only or reef aquariums with tankmates too large to be eaten, or possibly a single species aquarium.
As to diet, keep in mind these fish are carnivores, and require a diet high in protein and amino acids (lipids/fats). Products such as live marine fish and/or marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Non-living foodstuffs can be suspended/impaled on a long thin stick and dangled within range to entice feeding.
However, ‘occasional’ live mollies, guppies, goldfish, and/or Gambusia provide for that natural feeding excitement found in the wild should live marine fish not be available. Nevertheless, feeding these small freshwater live fish should be considered a special treat and not become a steady diet since they lack the fatty acids that marine fish need to stay healthy.
Keep in mind that feeder goldfish, which cannot survive but a few minutes in seawater, also carry many different bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that can cause parasitic and infectious diseases. Furthermore, feeder goldfish can also cause blockage in the digestive track and/or kidney along with liver damage due to fatty degeneration in the consuming fish. And this will ultimately lead to the consumer’s death. In fact, fatty liver degeneration is a common cause of death in cases where marine fish are fed a diet that primarily consists of goldfish (as with Lionfish for example). Also, its possible the large air bladder in the goldfish can upset the internal balance in this fish, sometimes causing it to float at the surface, possibly killing it.
For those aquarists living near the coastline there are often fisherman bait shops that sell small live marine fish that can be used as bait. If available, these small live marine baitfish are an excellent foodstuff.
Because these are sedentary fish, their metabolism is quite low. Therefore infrequent feedings of once or twice a week for adults and three or four times a week for juveniles is recommended.
Susceptible to Amyloodinium and Cryptocaryon, therefore prevent sudden temperature changes and/or other stressful conditions, as this opens a window of opportunity for these maladies.
FYI: Capable of changing colors to match surroundings.
Will consume ornamental crustaceans.
Lacks a swim bladder, that's why they are bottom dwelling fishes.
Lacks teeth, swallows prey whole.
Shy, will stay hidden most of the time.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Coral Safe: Yes
Fish Safe: With caution
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish only aquarium
Tankmates: Peaceful, yet large enough not to be eaten
Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 78°F (22 – 26°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
