Porkfish

Details

Scientific Name: Anisotremus virginicus
Family: Haemulidae
Color: white, yellow, black, orange

Fish Care

Fish Diet: Omnivore
Aggressiveness: Non-Aggressive
Reef Safe: No
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gal
Max Size: 12"
Relative Care: Easy

Description


The Porkfish which originates from the Western Atlantic has a yellow head and fins accenting a silver-gray base with two black vertical stripes. They are a peaceful fish that make a wonderful addition to a peaceful saltwater fish only aquarium.

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with abundant open space to swim is required. Several Porkfish, in a school, would be suitable if there is enough room in the aquarium. It prefers to hover around reefs and needs a cave or ledge for refuge. The Porkfish has been known to occasionally pick parasites from the bodies of tank mates. Do not house the Porkfish with aggressive species, and adults should be the first to be introduced into a community tank. They are not a good candidate for a reef aquarium, as they will readily consume any crabs, snails, shrimp and starfish.

The Porkfish diet consists of a variety of meaty foods such as chopped shrimp, marine fish flesh, prepared frozen food for carnivores, and vegetable matter.

These fish will arrive in their juvenile coloration. As the Porkfish adjusts to the aquarium and matures, the adult coloration will be visible when the fish is approximately 4-5″ in length.