Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Plectroglyphidodon

Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis

(Schultz, 1943)

Phoenix Devil

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: East Africa east to Marquesas, Society, and Tuamotu Islands, and north to Southern Japan.

Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits surge zones on seaward reefs at depths between 3 to about 25 feet (1 – 8 m) and feeds on filamentous algae and benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, having a brownish body with a three white vertical bands on the body, and sometimes with pale pink in the tail.

Should be housed in aquaria having swift water movements/surges.

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: Plectroglyphidodon

FYI: May pester/annoy peaceful species, especially in small aquariums.

One per aquarium.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 84°F (22 – 28°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis (Phoenix Devil)
Photo © John Randall
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Real Reef Rock