Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Southern Florida, Bahamas to Barbados and northern South America.
Size: 8 inches (20 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits burrows made from crushed coral and/or sand where sits inside peaking outwards and is often found near reef areas containing rubble. Found at depths between 10 – 150 feet (3 – 45 m) where it feeds mainly on small fishes, worms, and crustaceans.
General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade having iridescent green eyes, a mottled pale brown body and a black spot in the dorsal fin.
Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums, which should contain a deep substrate, >6 inches (15 cm) of course grained sand or small pebbles, as this species will quickly create a burrow to live in. May move to areas that are the nearest to where food enters the aquarium. Not safe with smaller fishes and ornamental shrimp.
As to diet, finely chopped products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods such as 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!
Two can be maintained in the same aquarium if 100 gallons.
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: Moderately aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 50+ gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 82°F (21 – 28°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
