Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Southern Florida to northern South America.
Size: 3 inches (6 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits reef slopes, and found near crevices and caves during the day and often seen moving among the spines of long-spine urchins. Usually found at depths between 10 – 200 feet (3 – 60 m) where it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans/zooplankton during evening hours.
General Husbandry: Somewhat common in the trade and this very hardy species has a reddish body having a dark band from the rear bottom of the dorsal to the anal fin. The caudal peduncle area also has a dark band, sometimes seen as two separate narrow dark bands.
Best maintained fish-only aquariums with subdued lighting, yet can also be maintained in reef aquariums, with both having several rocky caves/hiding areas. If maintained with moderately aggressive tankmates, will remain in hiding during daylight hours and may not get its fair share of the food when the aquarium is fed. If maintained with peaceful tankmates, will spend a good portion of its time in the aquarium open areas.
As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should be enriched and finely chopped and fed several times daily. Depending upon the environment in which its maintained, the best time of the day to feed are early morning and evening hours.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Apogonidae
Subfamily: Apogoninae
Genus: Apogon
FYI: Best maintained in groups of five or more.
Their diet should contain a color enhancer, such as Spirulina, as their color tends to fade in captivity.
Experience Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
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
Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 28°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
