Grammistes sexlineatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Goldenstriped soapfish, scientifically known as Grammistes sexlineatus, belongs to the Serranidae family. This species, also commonly referred to as Sixstripe soapfish, Skunkfish, or Lined soapfish, can resemble Cardinalfish when young. It is distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to various islands like Marquesan and Mangareva, and extending from southern Japan to New Zealand.

Aquarium Suitability

For aquarists considering the Goldenstriped soapfish for their tanks, experience, preparation, and extra care are essential due to its demanding nature. This species can be a threat to smaller fish, shrimps, and crabs, as it preys on creatures of suitable size. It is advisable not to introduce the water used during transportation into the aquarium, as the species can release poison when stressed, which proves fatal to other sea creatures.

Care and Hardiness

The Goldenstriped soapfish, characterized as hardy, requires a tank of at least 500 liters due to its heavy feeding habits. To thrive, this species needs good hideouts like live rocks and benefits from a varied diet, including live food for acclimatization. It is nocturnal, displaying more activity with dim or no lighting, and tends to fare better when housed without conspecifics.

Reef Suitability

Considered reef safe with caution, the Goldenstriped soapfish can coexist in a reef aquarium if managed carefully. Its feeding habits and potential threat to smaller tank mates should be monitored closely in a reef setting.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an environment for the Goldenstriped soapfish includes providing ample hiding spots like live rock crevices and ensuring a secure lid due to its tendency to jump. Maintaining water parameters at a temperature range of 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius, pH of 8.1-8.4, specific gravity between 1.020-1.025, and carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH is crucial for its well-being.

Behaviour

This species exhibits a mostly peaceful temperament but can display aggression towards similar species. It is known to be shy, typically hiding under overhangs during the day and becoming more active at night when hunting for food.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, the Goldenstriped soapfish should be fed a varied diet consisting of fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing live food can aid in the successful adaptation of this species to tank conditions.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and various regions in the Pacific, the Goldenstriped soapfish thrives in tropical marine waters, often near reefs and rocky substrates where it can find shelter and prey.