Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Indian Ocean: East Africa north to the Red Sea.
Size: 6 inches - 15 cm
Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coastal reefs and found in small groups in lagoons amongst heavy coral growths, the spines of sea urchins and seagrass beds at depths between about 3 - 50 feet (1 - 15 m) where it feeds mainly on zooplankton/benthic invertebrates.
General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade and swims with its long tubular shaped snout/head in a downward position so as to suck in bottom-dwelling benthic prey. Has a tannish body with small black spots and a mid-body brownish stripe.
Best maintained in small aquariums with gentle water currents, as this is a slow moving species. Aquarium environment should have areas of macroalgae, which may provide this species some eatable live foods, as it will only except live foods. Caves and ledges large enough to provide shelter are also needed, as shrimpfishes are quite shy.
Tankmates must be quite peaceful, not fin nippers, and somewhat slow moving, such as pipefish, so as not to be a major food competitor that would prevent this species from getting a fair share of the provided foods.
As to diet, this is only a live food consumer, therefore live enriched adult brine shrimp and/or tiny live glass/grass shrimp should be offered several times daily.
Taxonomy: Order: Gasterosteiformes
Suborder: Syngnathoidei
Family: Centriscidae
Genus: Aeoliscus
FYI: Best maintained in small groups of five or more.
Not known to readily eat frozen foods.
Possibly best maintained in a single species aquarium.
Experience Level: Intermediate
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: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 28°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
