Other Fish

The Moorish Idol is an elegant fish with high contrast patterns and an extremely long, trailing dorsal fin. It has jet black stripes over its snowy white body, and a bright yellow band over its long snout and a larger lemon yellow area on its flank. Males and females are identical. The Moorish Idol can grow to be up to 7 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons.The Moorish Idol resembles a bannerfish or butterflyfish but is actually more closely related to tangs. It is peaceful with all other fish, and may school with its own kind, however its trailing dorsal fin may be a target for fin nipping fish. It superficially resembles the Black Heniochus, but can be differentiated by the Moorish Idol's longer snout and black tail.Moorish Idol may nip on many types of corals, clam mantles, sponges, algae and other sessile invertebrates; they do not typically bother other invertebrates such as crustaceans unless they are very small. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. It is common for Moorish Idol to be very finicky feeders, and because of this we recommend them only for very experienced aquarists. They should be given a highly varied diet fed several times a day. Marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, enriched brine shrimp, and other high quality meaty items. Supplements such as Brightwell's Angelixer and Garlic Power may entice a feeding response.

Read more less

Jawfish are some of the most personable fish available. Their huge eyes miss nothing in the aquarium, and peer through the glass at their keeper. They may then cock their head to the side like a puppy as they interact with their owner. Aggressive tank mates and fish with large mouths should be strictly avoided, as should any animal that may disturb the tranquility of the sand bed: sleeper gobies, pistol shrimp, burrowing wrasses, goatfish, etc may stress the timid jawfish out of its burrow. Unless the aquarium is large jawfish may also stress each other. They use open mouth threats, and when that does not work they grab mouthfuls of sand and dump it in the other fish's burrow. Suitable tank mates include non sand-dwelling gobies, peaceful blennies, cardinal fish, clownfish, flasher wrasses, chromis, dragonets, assessors, etc. They may consume tiny fish such as Trimma or Evotia gobies, and shrimp such as sexy shrimp. Because of its extremely shy demeanor, we recommend the jawfish be the first fish added to the aquarium.Jawfish are sand dwelling animals and use their large mouths to scoop out a burrow to live in. At nighttime or when a tunnel is not being used the fish may block it off with shells and small rocks. It is important to provide deep sand of at least four inches, preferably deeper, with plenty of shells and crushed coral of various sizes so the fish has enough building material to create a stable dwelling. The shed leaves of Halimeda algae are also utilized as building material. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the fish excavates. Plenty of open swimming space may encourage the jawfish to hover higher above its burrow. We recommend the tank be securely covered as jawfish are prone to jumping from open top aquaria.Jawfish are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed two to three times a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.The Yellow Head jawfish is a spectacular fish with a ghostly blue body that shimmers in the light. Its head is an intense lemon yellow hue. It is commonly available from the Caribbean. Males and females are identical. It grows to 4 inches and should be kept in an established aquarium of at least 30 gallons.

Read more less

The Porkfish makes an entertaining addition to a larger aquarium. It has an interesting shape and variety of colors and patterns sure to please. Its large head is bright yellow and its tall body silvery contrasted with two black horizontal stripes when juvenile, and several blue stripes when mature. Large specimens also have two jet black bands across their face and yellow fins. It is often called a grunt because of the sound it can make with its swim bladder. Males and females are identical. The Porkfish grows up to 15 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 200 gallons.The Porkfish is a carnivore and should be fed at least three times a day a high quality diet of Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, silversides and other meaty items and some vegetable matter. It may also consume crustaceans, snails, starfish, bivalves and small fish. Lower light levels aid in initial acclimation. Aggressive tank mates should be avoided or the Porkfish may be forced into hiding. Plenty of hiding places and open room to swim help the Porkfish feel at home.It would be a good tank mate with other Caribbean fish such as the Jackknife or High-Hat. Several specimens may school together and can be kept together in a sufficiently large aquarium if all are added at the same time.

Read more less

Jawfish are some of the most personable fish available. Their huge eyes miss nothing in the aquarium, and peer through the glass at their keeper. They may then cock their head to the side like a puppy as they interact with their owner. Aggressive tank mates and fish with large mouths should be strictly avoided, as should any animal that may disturb the tranquility of the sand bed: sleeper gobies, pistol shrimp, burrowing wrasses, goatfish, etc may stress the timid jawfish out of its burrow. Unless the aquarium is large jawfish may also stress each other. They use open mouth threats, and when that does not work they grab mouthfuls of sand and dump it in the other fish's burrow. Suitable tank mates include non sand-dwelling gobies, peaceful blennies, cardinal fish, clownfish, flasher wrasses, chromis, dragonets, assessors, etc. They may consume tiny fish such as Trimma or Evotia gobies, and shrimp such as sexy shrimp. Because of its extremely shy demeanor, we recommend the jawfish be the first fish added to the aquarium.Jawfish are sand dwelling animals and use their large mouths to scoop out a burrow to live in. At nighttime or when a tunnel is not being used the fish may block it off with shells and small rocks. It is important to provide deep sand of at least four inches, preferably deeper, with plenty of shells and crushed coral of various sizes so the fish has enough building material to create a stable dwelling. The shed leaves of Halimeda algae are also utilized as building material. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the fish excavates. Plenty of open swimming space may encourage the jawfish to hover higher above its burrow. We recommend the tank be securely covered as jawfish are prone to jumping from open top aquaria.Jawfish are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed two to three times a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.The Blue Spot Jawfish is an exquisite and rarely imported fish. Its body is an intense golden color, with shimmering sapphire spots all over. Its body becomes a deep navy near the tail, with its fin rays a bright yellow to orange. Males and females are identical. It grows to 3.5 inches and should be kept in an established aquarium of at least 30 gallons.

Read more less

The Bamboo Shark Egg is also known as a Mermaids Purse. Inside a baby shark can be seen growing, and often wiggling around, along with its yolk sack. Its development can be monitored in this way by observing through a light source; however it is very important to never expose the egg to air as this may harm the embryo. It may take up to a few months for the egg to hatch; the baby may be earthy shades with spots or black and white banded. It may be kept in aquariums as small as 20 gallons as an infant to aid in feeding and observation, but when fully grown at 40 inches it will require a 300 gallon or larger.Substrate should be soft sand so it does not scratch its delicate belly. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the shark excavates. They do not harm corals, but may knock over lose decor with their strong tails. Sharks may be sensitive to medication and should never be treated with copper.The Bamboo Shark will consume any crustacean and small fish it can catch. It is peaceful towards tank mates too large to swallow, but may be picked on by large fish. It may be kept with its own kind, however males may fight with each other and pester females.Sharks are carnivores and should be fed at least once every two or three days a high quality diet of krill, silversides, clams and chopped seafood. Juveniles should be offered food at least once a day. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary.

Read more less

The Angler, or Frogfish, is a fascinating ambush predator which makes an incredible pet and conversation piece. Their stout bodies come in a wide range of colors and textures. They may be rather smooth or bumpy textured. Colors are typically bright red or orange. Most Anglers grow to only 4 inches with some larger species rarely exceeding 8 inches. Because of their low activity level any of them may be kept in aquariums of 20-30 gallons in size.Anglers spend most of their time perched atop the rockwork surveying their surroundings and watching for a potential meal to pass by. Anything that swims or crawls may be considered edible- shrimp, crabs, and other fish, even those larger than itself may be eaten. For this reason the Angler should only be kept with snails and sessile invertebrates such as corals, sponges, tunicates and macroalgae.If hungry an anglerfish will extend its fishing lure from the top of its head and dangle it in front of its mouth. When prey comes close to investigate it is instantly sucked into the vacuum of the Angler's mouth. Many specimens become so tame that they extend their lure when they catch sight of their owner. They rarely swim, usually preferring to literally walk using their fins as feet, or sometimes gulping water and jetting it out the gills to propel themselves. We don't recommend lifting the Angler out of the water as it may occasionally gulp air and have trouble expelling it.They are carnivores and should be fed at least once every two or three days a high quality diet of krill, silversides and chopped seafood. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary. Live food may initially be necessary, and the fish trained to eat off a feeding stick.

Read more less

A spectacular fish from the Caribbean, the Blue Hamlet is uniquely hued bright cerulean blue all over. Only its eyes and the edging to its caudal fin are dark. It has a large head and humped back. Males and females are identical. It grows to 5 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 75 gallons.Because of its large mouth we don't recommend mixing Hamlets with diminutive fish or crustaceans, especially shrimp, as it may eat them. It is safe with all corals and is friendly with all other fish too large to swallow. Hamlets behave like small peaceful groupers, or large hawkfish; however unlike the hawkfish the hamlet has no trouble swimming. It may choose an area in the rockwork to call its own and may chase other fish away from its territory. It also appreciates plenty of space to swim. It is best to keep only one hamlet per aquarium unless over 100 gallons can be devoted to each hamlet and they are added at the same time.Hamlets are carnivorous and should be fed high quality meaty items such as Mysis, chopped krill, clams, silver sides and other high quality meaty items, preferably more than once a day. They usually learn to accept dry foods and are quite hardy and easy to keep.

Read more less

The High-Hat Drumfish is an interesting fish from the Caribbean whose silvery body is contrasted by dark coffee to earthy black colored stripes running from its nose to the tip of its rounded tail. It's most notable feature is its first dorsal fin which rises above its head. Males and females are identical. The High-Hat grows to 9 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 100 gallons or larger.The High-Hat is a carnivore and should be fed at least three times a day a high quality diet of Mysis shrimp, chopped krill and silversides and other meaty items. A well established aquarium is recommended, preferably with a refugium to aid in supplementing the main aquarium with live prey items. It may also sift the sand and consume fire and bristle worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Lower light levels aid in initial acclimation.Aggressive tank mates should be avoided or the High-Hat may be forced into hiding. Plenty of hiding places and open room to swim help the High-Hat feel at home. It would make a good tank mate with other large fish such as the Porkfish. Several specimens may be kept together in a sufficiently large aquarium if all are added at the same time.

Read more less

Friendly by nature, they are rarely aggressive except towards other parrotfish. They are very active and require plenty of open space for swimming. Their teeth are fused together and resemble the beak of a tropical bird; they are powerful animals and regularly take bites out of the reef, eating algae, rock and coral alike. Soft coral and motile invertebrates are typically safe from their ravenous appetites; however they should receive plenty of high quality food throughout the day. Marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill and other high quality items should be offered at least three times a day. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary.The Bi-Color parrotfish is a striking fish most commonly available in its juvenile coloration. It has a snowy white body with jet black and bright orange markings. Most notably a wide orange band covers its face and eyes, which are also orange. This band is outlined in black giving it spectacular contrast. A black eyespot on the dorsal fin is highlighted with orange, and orange dusts the caudal fin as well. As an adult it is primarily super saturated robin's egg blue with its features and scales outlined with magenta. Males and females are identical. The Bi-Color parrotfish grows to 31.5 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 300 gallons.

Read more less