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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Carapidae (Pearlfishes)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 0 to 98 ft. Size: 7.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Amphipods, shrimp, small fish
Natural History: The Silver Pearlfish inhabits the coelom and respiratory tree (tentacles) of some sea cucumbers. It is most commonly associated with Stichopus chloronotus and Holothuria argus.
Husbandry: The Silver Pearlfish is a rare sight in the aquarium trade. It will likely thrive best if its natural host, the sea cucumber, is present in the aquarium. Some reports indicate that this fish is parasitic on its host while others indicate it may be commensalistic. The Silver Pearlfish is generally not collected for the aquarium trade but instead is incidentally caught while in its host sea cucumber.