Parupeneus heptacanthus

Datasheet

General Description:The Cinnabar goatfish, scientifically known as Parupeneus heptacanthus, belongs to the Mullidae family. These fish are characterized by their distinctive "beard," which they use while foraging for food in the sand. They are native to the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the Caroline Islands and Fiji.

Aquarium Suitability:Cinnabar goatfish are not particularly well-suited for aquarium life as they can often perish due to malnutrition within a few months. Keeping them successfully in a tank requires a varied diet provided 4-5 times a day, in addition to allowing them to find some of their own food in the aquarium. Their predatory nature makes them a threat to small fish and crustaceans, necessitating caution when selecting tankmates.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness:These goatfish have average hardiness and are peaceful in temperament. They require frequent feedings to thrive, especially when newly introduced to a tank. Adequate hiding spots among live rocks and plenty of space for swimming are essential for their well-being. Maintaining water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C is crucial for their health.

Reef Suitability:Cinnabar goatfish are considered reef-safe with caution. They may pose a threat to small invertebrates within a reef setting and need to be monitored carefully in such environments.

Aquarium Setup:To accommodate Cinnabar goatfish, a tank of at least 900 liters is recommended. The aquarium should feature a large open area with a mix of sand and coral gravel to mimic their natural habitat. Providing ample hiding spaces and enough room for swimming is essential for their overall well-being.

Behaviour:These fish are shy and docile by nature, emphasizing the importance of selecting tankmates that are not overly aggressive. They are known to search through the sand for food, which can lead to the water becoming cloudy as they stir up detritus in the tank.

Feeding and Diet:Cinnabar goatfish are carnivorous and consume a diet consisting of fish, larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. They require multiple feedings throughout the day, especially when they cannot find enough natural food sources within the tank.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction:Information on dimorphism and captive reproduction of Cinnabar goatfish is not explicitly provided.

Habitat and Distribution:In their natural habitat, these goatfish are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and various regions across the Pacific. Their distribution ranges from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the Caroline Islands and Fiji.