Armed Perchlet
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A small, attractive speces that's perfect for a nano-reef tank. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Unlike their close relatives the anthias, which spend their time swimming in the water column, the perchlets rest on the seafloor. They are often secretive, hiding among the coral rubble and coming out to hunt small crustaceans and tiny fishes.
Family: Serranidae
Other common name(s):
- Geometric Hawkfish
- Red Blotched Perchlet
Native range:
Habitat: This species is found in deep coastal and inner reef drop-offs.
Maximum length: 5 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Meaty foods, including frozen seafood. May require live ghost shrimp to initiate a feeding response.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
As a result of their small size, they are perfect for a nano-reef tank. They are prone to being eaten or picked on by predators or more aggressive tankmates. If housed with bullies, they spend most, if not all, of their time cowering under shelter and failing to feed. Do not mix them with big dottybacks, hawkfishes, aggressive damsels, pugnacious wrasses, sand perches, or triggerfishes.
[edit] Notes
They are quite shy, hiding in rocky recesses most of the time when first added to the tank. But as they adjust, they spend more time in the open.
| Common name | Armed Perchlet +, Geometric Hawkfish +, and Red Blotched Perchlet + |
| Family | Serranidae + |
| Genus | Plectranthias + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-West Pacific +, Christmas Island +, Philippines +, and Indonesia + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | inermis + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |