Shrimp Fish (Aeoliscus Strigatus)

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : White, Black

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6"

Origin : Indo-Pacific 

Family : Centriscidae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons

The Striped Shrimpfish (Aeoliscus Strigatus), or Razorfish, is a distant relative of the pipefish and seahorses.

It has a slender, silver, flattened body with a dark longitudinal line that runs the entire length of the body, even going through the eyes. These stripes and their shrimp-like appearance are the source of their name. It has a long slender snout and a long sharp dorsal spine. The body is encased in transparent bony plates that provide protection from predators. They swim in a synchronized manner with their heads pointing downwards. This head-down, tail-up position allows it to hide in the branches of coral or spines of a sea urchin. Adult shrimpfish are up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long, including their snouts. 

Best maintained in small aquariums with gentle water currents, as it’s a slow moving species. A 50 gallon aquarium with rocks, macro and micro algae will do. Caves and ledges large enough to provide shelter are also needed, as shrimpfishes are quite shy.

It will not harm ornamental invertebrates in a reef setting. The Striped Shrimpfish reacts poorly when harassed by other more aggressive fish such as blennies, wrasses, gobies, triggerfish, and porcupinefish. Best maintained in small groups of five or more. It is advised to keep these shrimp fish with species like pipe fish and seahorses for easy sustenance. 

As to diet, this is only a live food consumer, therefore live enriched adult brine shrimp and/or tiny live glass/grass shrimp should be offered several times daily.