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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Nemipteridae (Whiptails, Spinecheeks)
Natural Range: Great Barrier Reef
Depth: 3 to 98 ft. Size: 10 in. Jumps: No Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Snails, bristle worms, crustaceans
Natural History: The Twoline Spinecheek is found around corals in lagoons and on reef faces. Juveniles are encountered singly while adults are found in pairs. Juveniles do not stray far from the protection of corals while adults can be seen on sand flats near corals. The juvenile Twoline Spinecheek mimics the Striped Fang Blenny (Meiacanthus grammistes) and other fang blennies, depending on which it coexists with. Females of this species can change into males. This species sifts sand for food.
Husbandry: The Twoline Spinecheek is a hardy aquarium fish. It is aggressive with its own species but not with unrelated ones so Twoline Spinecheeks should be housed singly. Open 2 inch deep sand spaces should be provided for this species in captivity.