Clown Sweetlips
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Juveniles are extremely appealing, with big polka dots and a sinuous swimming motion, but are not especially good aquarium fish. Scott W. Michael
Overview
As endearing as any juvenile fish in the store, these charming little specimens should be avoided. First of all, they often refuse anything but live food and even then rarely eat with gusto. Secondly, those that survive will get very big and need an extra-large aquarium.
Family: Haemulidae
Other common name(s):
- Harlequin Sweetlips
Native range:
Maximum length: 72 cm (28 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 757 L (200 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
Feeding
Carnivore. May require live feeder shrimp or live black worms to elicit a feeding response. Offer meaty foods including mysid shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, reef plankton, other high quality rations for carnivores. Feed 2–3 times daily.
Aquarium Compatibility
Too large for most home aquariums. Juveniles can be harassed to death by aggressive tankmates.
In the reef aquarium, it will eat serpent stars, ornamental crustaceans, small snails, and polychaete worms.