Microdesmidae
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
[edit] Overview
The wormfishes have very elongate, slightly compressed bodies, with small, deeply embedded cycloid scales, and no lateral line.
Formerly established as the Subfamily Microdesminae, the wormfishes have a large lower jaw that protrudes beyond the snout tip and a long continuous dorsal fin. Wormfishes employ an anguilliform (eel-like) locomotory mode and bury under the substrate both when threatened and at night.
The former Subfamily Ptereleotrinae, which are known as dartfishes and fire gobies, have been moved into their own Family Ptereleotridae.
These fishes are well-suited for the reef aquarium.
BioGroup:
Native range:
Taxonomic rank: Family
Common name: WORMFISHES
| Total known | Total profiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Subfamilies | 0 | 0 |
| Genera | 5 | 1 |
| Species | 30 | 0 |
Captive care: A number of species are available to aquarists, and all are highly desirable additions to a quiet fish-only system or a reef aquarium without aggressive tankmates.
A small to large aquarium with a top that covers the entire tank should be provided with a layer of coral sand (a minimum of 5 cm [2 in.]) and/or rubble with some small live rock caves and plenty of open bottom space.
Feeding: Feed a varied diet that includes small, vitamin-enriched crustaceans. Most will only require a single feeding per day.
[edit] Subfamilies
none
[edit] Genera
- Gunnelichthys
[edit] Species
none
| Biogroup-Organism | Marine Fishes + |
| Common name | WORMFISHES + |
| Family taxonomic rank | Family + |
| Native range | Atlantic Ocean +, Indian Ocean +, and Pacific Ocean + |
| Reference | Reef Fishes Volume 1 + |