Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: Monterey Bay, California to the West Coast of Baja California, Mexico and Guadalupe Island.
Size: 14 inches (35 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits inshore rocky reefs and Kelp forests at depths between 3 - 100 feet (1 - 30 m) and feeds on benthic invertebrates and algae.
General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, very hardy and only member in this genus. Juveniles have a bright orange body with blue spots, with those spots fading as it grows into adulthood.
Somewhat aggressive and this large species needs a very large aquarium with wide open swimming areas and cool water temperatures.
As to diet, a meaty diet, e.g., live fortified brine shrimp and/or finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam and plant material, e.g., flake foods, especially those containing Spirulina should be offered several times daily.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Labroidei
Family: Pomacentridae
Subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Genus: Hypsypops
FYI: Collection of this species in California waters is illegal.
Has been reared in captivity.
Experience Level: Professional
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Coral Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: With caution
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Tankmates: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 500 gallons
Temperature Range: 57 - 70°F (13 – 21°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5