Caracanthus typicus

Kroyer, 1845

Hawaiian Orbicular Velvetfish, Red Spot Croucher

Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Size: 1 inch (3 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits the branches of Pocillopora stony coral in shallow surge zones on reef crests at depths between 3 - 50 feet (1 - 15 m) where it feeds mainly on zooplankton and somewhat on coral mucus.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade and hides in the branches of stony corals as noted above. Has a light tannish body with small red spots.

Best maintained in small reef aquariums with branching corals, as noted above, as they will spend the majority of their time hiding within the crevices of the branches. Only when food is nearby, will they enter surrounding waters to capture the food. Tankmates should be somewhat docile, such as those in the Chromis genus.

As to diet, even though only a live food consumer in the wild, a meaty diet such as enriched live adult brine shrimp and/or enriched frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and krill will usually suffice and should be offered twice daily by dispensing it close to where its hiding. Its also said to consume coral mucus, another reason why it should only be housed with live stony corals.

May be difficult to feed in the early days in the aquarium and if so, live enriched adult brine shrimp and/or tiny live glass/grass shrimp should be offered several times daily. Over time, it should learn to accept various frozen foods.

Taxonomy:

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Suborder: Scorpaenoidei

Family: Caracanthidae

Subfamily: Caracanthinae

Genus: Caracanthus

FYI: Has venomous dorsal spines: avoid handling.

Dorsal spines can also be caught in nets, therefore transfer using a small container, if feasible.

Not suitable for fish-only aquariums, as it must have the security of branching live corals.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Temperature Range: 74 - 82°F (23 – 28°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5