Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Mexico’s Sea of Cortez/Gulf of California.
Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits burrows made from crushed coral and/or sand and generally hovers vertically above it where it’s often found near reef areas containing rubble. Adults found at depths between 50 – 100 feet (15 – 30 m), with juveniles found in shallow, less than 25 foot (8 m) waters where all feed mainly on zooplankton.
General Husbandry: Often available in the trade and quite attractive having a darkish brown body and pale brown head, all with numerous blue spots.
Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums, which should contain a deep substrate, >4 inches (10 cm) of course grained sand or small pebbles, as this species will quickly create a burrow to live in. Will often move to areas that are the nearest to where food enters the aquarium. Since this is a very peaceful species, its tankmates must also be peaceful, as aggressive tankmates would prevent it from getting its share of the food when the aquarium is fed.
As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Therefore a meaty diet such as enriched finely chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed several times daily.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Opistognathidae
Genus: Opistognathus
FYI: Aquarium should be covered, as this species is a very good jumper!
Depending upon aquarium size, more than one specimen can be maintained in the same aquarium. But in small aquariums, there would be too much food competition between them.
Experience Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Coral Safe: Yes
Fish Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Tankmates: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 82°F (21 – 28°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
