Assessor flavissimus

Datasheet

General Description
The Yellow devilfish, also known as the Yellow scissortail, is a peculiar species that exhibits the occasional behavior of swimming upside down. This fish belongs to the family Plesiopidae and is of the species Assessor flavissimus. It is native to the Western Central Pacific region, specifically found in areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea.

Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for most aquarium setups, the Yellow devilfish is generally hardy and can thrive in a tank environment, given appropriate care. It is advised to keep them away from fast or aggressive tank mates to ensure they receive adequate food intake due to their shy nature. Additionally, they may coexist as a pair if introduced simultaneously and require good hiding spots, like gaps between live rocks, for shelter.

Care and Hardiness
With a hardiness level classified as "Hardy," the Yellow devilfish is relatively easy to care for, provided they are offered a varied diet. They tend to mimic their nocturnal hunting behavior even in aquariums, resulting in less visibility during daylight hours. Special attention should be given during feeding to ensure the fish receive the necessary nutrition.

Reef Suitability
This species is known for being reef-safe always, making it a suitable addition to reef aquariums without posing a threat to the coral environment. Their peaceful nature generally allows them to coexist harmoniously with other reef inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Yellow devilfish, it is recommended to provide hiding places such as live rocks. The ideal tank size should be a minimum of 50 liters to accommodate their needs adequately. Maintaining water conditions with a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH levels of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity between 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour
Yellow devilfish are mostly peaceful but can display aggression towards similar species, necessitating caution when choosing tank mates. Their shy and docile nature means they may prefer quieter environments with less aggressive fish companions.

Feeding and Diet
Their recommended diet consists of small crustaceans like krill and mysis, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. A varied diet rich in these elements will contribute to their overall health and vitality in captivity.

Habitat and Distribution
In their natural habitat, Yellow devilfish can be found in the Western Central Pacific region, specifically frequenting the Great Barrier Reef and areas around Papua New Guinea. They have adapted to these marine environments and exhibit behaviors typical of their species in the wild.