Nano Aquarium Fishes - PART TWO
23- White Blenny
Meiacanthus smithii
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black, Blue
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Captive-Bred, ORA®
Family: Blenniidae
The White Blenny is also referred to as White's Blenny, Smith's Blenny, Smith's Fang Blenny or Disco Blenny. Its body is mostly blue with a black stripe which starts at the chin and runs through the eyes and down the dorsal fin.
It tends to do well in an aquarium if provided with live rock in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium. The live rock provides places to hunt and feed on small crustaceans as well as places to hide. It is not usually aggressive unless the tank mates appear to have a similar shape as it does. Its fangs are more of a defense mechanism used for biting an aggressive fish back.
The White Blenny diet consists of chopped crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen food preparations for herbivores.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" to 2-1/2"
24-Black Cap Basslet
Gramma melacara
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Grammidae
The Black Cap Basslet is a deep water species found throughout the Caribbean. Its brilliant purple body and jet-black diagonal cap make it a striking addition to any aquarium.
An excellent choice for a reef aquarium, the Black Cap Basslet is a threat to only the smallest invertebrates such as Copepods, Isopods, or Amphipods. Provide at least a 30 gallon tank with rock caves to hide in. Black Cap Basslets can become territorial once established, so they should not be kept with other basslets. Because they tend to be deep-water dwellers, they do better in an aquarium with slightly subdued lighting.
Black Cap Basslets will do well on a diet of meaty foods including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" - 3" Large 3" to 4"
25-Royal Gramma Basslet
Gramma loreto
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Pacific
Family: Grammidae
The Royal Gramma Basslet brings an explosion of color to any saltwater aquarium. It has a bright purple to violet colored anterior contrasted by a vibrant yellow posterior. Coveted for both its unique color pattern and relatively small adult size, Gramma loreto is well suited for small nano reef systems.
Native to the deep-water reefs of the Caribbean, this member of the Grammidae family prefers extensive rockwork caves in which to hide and somewhat subdued lighting. Since it demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own kind, the Royal Gramma Basslet should be housed singly. However, most Royal Gramma Basslets are peaceful towards tankmates of similar size and temperament.
For the best care, keep the Royal Gramma Basslet in reef systems of at least 30 gallons. Since it is a carnivore, feed a varied diet of meaty fare, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"
26-Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse
Wetmorella nigropinnata
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Orange, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Family: Labridae
The Banded Possum Wrasse is also known as the Pygmy Possum Wrasse or Arrowhead Wrasse, and it originates from the waters of Indonesia. The Banded Possum Wrasse has an arrowhead like shape and is mostly red/orange in color with yellow vertical stripes when in its juvenile coloration. As the fish matures the fish will darken to a deep rustish coloration. The male and female of this species are very similarly colored, but when courting, the male will display increased color intensity. Colors may vary depending on the fish's mood.
The Banded Possum Wrasse is a very peaceful, active fish that will bring both color and activity to a fish-only or reef aquarium of 10 gallons or larger. They will not bother any corals or invertebrates making them a perfect fish for the reef aquarium. A single male can be kept with a group of females that is introduced prior to or at the same time as the male. These wrasses like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
The Banded Possum Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 2"
27-White Banded Possum Wrasse
Wetmorella albofasciata
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2½"
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
The White Banded Possum Wrasse, also known as the Whitebanded Sharpnose Wrasse, is a popular and easy-to-keep Pygmy Wrasse from Indonesia known to thrive in a wide range of aquarium setups. The White Banded Possum Wrasse has an arrowhead like shape and is mostly red/black in color with white vertical stripes. The male and female of this species are very similarly colored, but when courting, the male will display increased color intensity. Colors may vary depending on the fish's mood.
The White Banded Possum Wrasse is a very peaceful, active fish that will bring both color and activity to a fish-only or reef aquarium of 10 gallons or larger. They will not bother any corals or invertebrates making them a perfect fish for the reef aquarium. A single male can be kept with a group of females that is introduced prior to or at the same time as the male. These wrasses like to jump, so a tight-fitting canopy is recommended.
According to guest Wrasse expert Scott W. Michael, "These microcarnivores will feed on tiny worms and crustaceans that associate with live rock. They also readily take aquarium foods, like mysis shrimp, frozen preparations and flake food. My Wetmorella seemed to prefer CYCLOP-EEZE®, which they pick out of the water column. Even though they will eat introduced fodder, I think it is still best to house them in a tank with live substratebecause they are so reclusive (especially when first added to a tank) and prone to being dominated by tankmates. This will enable the possum wrasses to feed throughout the day on the minute prey living on the rock. A productive refugium can also be helpful to ensure that they get enough to eat."
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" to 2-1/2"
28-Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse
Wetmorella tanakai
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Black, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse, or the Tanaka Possum Wrasse, delivers entrancing coloration made even more mystifying by its secretive nature. This cautious rock dweller boasts a stunning sunset reddish-orange body accented with four thin white bands, plus two false eyespots above and below the tail. Identified in 2007, the Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse is the namesake of acclaimed researcher Hiroyuki Tanaka, MD.
In the wild, Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse' diet is small benthic invertebrates. In the home aquarium, their diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Provide plenty of caves and hiding spots as Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse is a very secretive species. House with other peaceful fish to help encourage this shy beauty out of the rockwork. They will not bother any corals or invertebrates making them a perfect fish for the reef aquarium. A single male can be kept with a group of females that is introduced prior to or at the same time as the male. These wrasses like to jump, so a tight-fitting canopy is recommended.
29-Panamic Barnacle Blenny
Acanthemblemaria hancocki
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Panama
Family: Blenniidae
The Panamic Barnacle Blenny which is also known as the Hancock’s Blenny, generally seen from El Salvador to Panama as well as south to Ecuador. Its color is a mottled black, white and red covering the body and fins. This fish is similar to the Mexican Barnacle Blenny but has a large dark brown to charcoal spot behind its eye. The Panamic Barnacle Blenny also has red lips, a red iris and red on the front of its dorsal fin.
A well-established 10 gallon or larger aquarium with multiple hiding places and plenty of rock is a suitable environment. The Panamic Barnacle Blenny is a very entertaining fish, as they race as fast and furious as they can to snatch food from the water column while trying not to be eaten by the other fish. The body of this fish is seldom seen as they will take up residence in a small crevice in the rocks. They are a very attentive fish constantly watching about the aquarium waiting for a meal to come their way.
The Panamic Barnacle Blenny does best in well-established aquariums with large numbers of crevices in the rocks in which it can hide. The diet should include meaty items such as finely chopped crustacean flesh, vitamin enriched frozen brine and mysis shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1" Medium: 1" to 1-1/2"; Large: 1-1/2” to 2”
30-Longspine Cardinalfish
Zoramia leptacantha
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.022-1.025
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Blue, Clear, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Captive-Bred
Family: Apogonidae
The Captive-Bred Longspine Cardinalfish comes from the reefs of the Indian Ocean, and has a long slender shape and is mostly transparent in color. The transparent color is offset by many markings and spots of both iridescent blue and yellow. The Large black eyes of this fish are outlined in iridescent blue like the markings on both the fins and body. The Captive-Bred Longspine Cardinalfish has a unique advantage over wild-harvested species. They are hardier and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.
A 10-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and methodical swimmer. It tends to hide in sea grass or other plants, or may use long spined urchins for camouflage. If a larger aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. As a group, they will establish a strict hierarchy without aggressiveness.
The Captive-Bred Longspine Cardinalfish requires a well-balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, flake foods, pellet foods, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"
31-Yellowstriped Cardinalfish
Ostorhinchus cyanosoma
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Captive-Bred
Family: Apogonidae
The Captive-Bred Yellowstriped Cardinalfish comes from the reefs of Fiji or Indonesia. They have a long slender shape and are an orange/red with gold color. The large black and yellow eye are offset by a black spot near the tail which confuses possible predators which way the fish is facing.
The Captive-Bred Yellowstriped Cardinalfish has a unique advantage over wild-harvested species. They are hardier and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.
A 10-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and methodical swimmer. It tends to hide in sea grass or other plants, or may use long spined urchins for camouflage. If a larger aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. As a group, they will establish a strict hierarchy without aggressiveness.
The Captive-Bred Yellowstriped Cardinalfish requires a well-balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, flake foods, pellet foods, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 2-1/2"
19-Hi Fin Red Banded Goby
Stonogobiops nematodes
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Gobiidae
The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is also referred to as the Striped Goby, or the Blackray Shrimp Goby. The body has a silver-white coloration with a yellow face and very distinct dark diagonal stripes across the body. They are a wonderful fish for a passive fish only or reef aquarium, and may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp.
The ideal environment is an aquarium of at least 10 gallons with plenty of live rock and a sand bed. It is not aggressive towards other shrimp gobies and may even share a burrow with another species. Being territorial, it may occasionally quarrel with conspecifics if kept together, or if the tank is too small.
It is possible for the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby to spawn successfully in an aquarium.
The diet should consist of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and chopped table shrimp. It needs to be fed at least two times per day. When first added to the aquarium it may not eat for several days, but will usually acclimate and begin eating.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 3/4" to 1 1/4" Medium 1 1/4" to 2"
20-Yellow Stripe Clingfish
Diademichthys lineatus
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Solomon Islands
Family: Gobiesocidae
The Yellow Stripe Clingfish is also known as the Urchin Clingfish, and originates from the reefs of the Solomon Islands. Its slender body is reddish brown with a pair of yellow stripes that run the length of the fish. The tail of this fish is round in shape and features a yellow spot within the center.
A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock and corals provide a suitable environment for the Yellow Stripe Clingfish. These fish also will live in close association with a long spine urchin or branching corals. The fish uses this association for both protection and for food. The Yellow Stripe Clingfish also preys upon parasitic bivalves that attack various species of corals.
As a carnivore, the Yellow Stripe Clingfish will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
21-Fowleria Cardinalfish
Fowleria isostigma
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12,
pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Apogonidae
The Fowleria Cardinalfish is a small laterally compressed species that is orange to red in coloration with a red or yellow tail. The gill plate of this species is adorned with a black eye spot that the fish uses to confuse would be predators. A few members of the Fowleria genus mimic small scorpionfish in the wild. It is possible that this species may do the same. The Redtail Cardinalfish is a very peaceful, schooling fish that will make a wonderful addition to any peaceful marine aquarium.
A 30-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and methodical swimmer. It tends to hide in sea grass or may use long spined urchins for camouflage. If a larger aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. As a group, they will establish a strict hierarchy without aggressiveness.
The Redtail Cardinalfish requires a well balanced diet of meaty foods such as frozen brine or mysis shrimp, flake foods, pellet foods, and bloodworms.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium,: 1-1/4" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
22-Jawfish, Yellowhead
Opistognathus aurifrons
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: dKH 8-12, 72-82° F, sg 1.021-1.023
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Opistognathidae
The Yellowhead Jawfish, also known as the Yellow Head Jawfish or Yellow-headed Pearly Jawfish, has a yellow head and a light blue-green body. It inhabits the sandy, rubble-strewn areas on the reefs of the tropical Western Atlantic, and is found in close proximity to its burrow or cave. The Yellowhead Jawfish can attain a length of 5 inches in the wild, and up to 4 inches in an aquarium.
The Yellowhead Jawfish is a cute fish with a great personality. They are playful and like to people watch.
The Yellowhead Jawfish is moderately hardy. It tends to be shy and is best kept with other docile fish. It will not bother other tank inhabitants, but other burrowing fish may bully it. It needs to be kept on 5-7 inches of fine soft substrate such as sand of various particle sizes (not fine). Known for being a jumper when startled or frightened, the tank should have a tight-fitting lid. This fish will spend much of its time in its burrow and when it does venture out, if it is startled, it will bolt back into its burrow tail first with lightning speed. As long as the tank is large enough, several can be kept in the same tank. Multiple specimens provide very interesting behavior as they "dance" up and down in the burrow. Supply various size rocks among the soft substrate to help reinforce the burrows against them; rockpiles are ideal.
Although other jawfish may exhibit color variations during breeding, the Yellowhead Jawfish does not. One differentiating characteristic is that since it is a mouth breeder, the male will hold the eggs in his mouth.
The Yellowhead Jawfish is typically a shy feeder, eating very small live foods that wander near its burrow in the wild. In the tank, it can be enticed with small pieces of mussel, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, or other meaty foods. Eventually, prepared foods can be offered. Feeding must be done near the burrow.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"
