Glass Eye Squirrelfish

Details

Scientific Name: Heteropriacanthus cruentatus
Family: Priacanthidae
Color: red, tan

Fish Care

Fish Diet: Carnivore
Aggressiveness: Non-Aggressive
Reef Safe: With Caution
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gal
Max Size: 12"
Relative Care: Moderate

Description


The color of the Glass Eye Squirrelfish, also called the Dusky-finned Bullseye, changes through its life. Unlike many other fish, this fish actually becomes brighter in color as it ages. As a juvenile, the body and fins are covered in brown to red patches. With maturation the coloration changes to a bright red.

A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock and room to swim is needed. A small group is suitable as long as there are adequate hiding places and space in the aquarium. It is a nocturnal fish, hiding while the lights are on and waiting for the cover of darkness to swim around in search of food. It will eat invertebrates such as worms (including fireworms), crustaceans, and serpent stars.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Its meals should vary between live feeder shrimps, freeze-dried shrimps, and chopped marine meats that will move in the water column.