Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Not Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: East Africa to Samoa, north to Southern Japan and south to New Caledonia.
Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits areas near caves and crevices on steep slopes of coral rich reefs and is found at depths between 15 – 150 feet (5 – 45 m) where it feeds at night on small fishes and crustaceans.
General Husbandry: Rarely ever seen in the trade, having a greenish body with black and blue on the dorsal and pelvic fins.
Best maintained in dimly lit fish-only aquariums with several hiding places such as caves and ledges, as this is a secretive species. Will spend the majority of its time in hiding, and only leave these areas to feed, then return to its hiding area where it will continue to mostly stay in the darker areas of the aquarium. Not aggressive, except to tankmates that can be swallowed.
As to diet, difficult to feed anything but live foods, therefore small live marine fish, live glass/grass shrimp and/or small crabs, e.g., fiddler crabs, may be needed to sustain this species.
Nevertheless, products such as finely chopped marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods can be offered occasionally to try and switch it to other than live foods. Should be fed at least once per day.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Grammistinae
Genus: Belonoperca
FYI: Not safe with smaller fishes, small crabs, or small ornamental crustaceans.
As with all soapfish, if stressed, may release a toxic substance (grammistin) from the skin that could kill it and all tankmates.
Prevent any stressful conditions in the tank!
Brightly lit reef aquariums are not recommended for this species, as that can be a stressful environment.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (will eat smaller fish and crustaceans)
Diet: Carnivore
Coral Safe: Yes
Fish Safe: With caution
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium
Tankmates: Peaceful to moderately aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 50+ gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
