Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Not Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Southern Florida to Bermuda, and south to Brazil, and also reported from South Africa.
Size: 14 inches (35 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal rocky and sandy bottom areas near reefs and is found at depths between 6 – 100 feet (2 – 30 m) where it feeds mainly at night on small fishes.
General Husbandry: Rarely ever seen in the trade, and having a varying colored body, usually transforming from dark brown to various shades of pale brown depending upon local conditions/areas.
Best maintained in a fish-only aquarium with several hiding places, as it’s initially quite shy. Yet will leave hiding places when food is introduced into the aquarium, where it will grab its share, then return to its hiding area. As time passes, usually will be more social and spend most of its time in open areas. Not aggressive, except to tankmates that can be swallowed. Yet probably the most hazardous of all soapfishes!
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 chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed at least once per day.
May be difficult to feed in the early days in the aquarium and if so, (if small live marine fish are not available) live glass/grass shrimp and/or small crabs, e.g., fiddler crabs may be needed to sustain the fish.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Grammistinae
Genus: Rypticus
FYI: Not safe with smaller fishes, small crabs, or small ornamental crustaceans.
Prefers to hide in caves and may be seen more often if maintained in a dimly lit aquarium.
As with all soapfish, if stressed, may release a toxic substance (grammistin) from the skin that could kill itself and all tankmates. And this species, which often lays on its side, is the most hazardous, as it releases mucus for the slightest disturbances.
Prevent any stressful conditions in the tank!
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 – a must!
Minimum Tank Size: 100+ gallons
Temperature Range: 68 - 81°F (20 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
