Gunnellichthys curiosus
| Identification | Long, laterally compressed, worm-like body with striking horizontal orange and white bands running the entire length. Small upturned mouth, large eyes, and a continuous dorsal fin. Also called the Orange-barred Wormfish or Curious Dartfish. |
| Maximum Length | 5 inches (13 cm) |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific — East Africa east through to Hawaii and the Marquesas Islands |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | Yes — completely reef safe |
Behavior
A peaceful, mid-water hovering fish that is completely reef-safe and inoffensive toward tankmates. In the wild it forms loose shoals; in captivity it does best in groups of 3 or more. A dedicated, high-energy jumper — any gap in the lid will be found and used. Tends to stay in the lower half of the water column, retreating to rockwork crevices when spooked. Does not bother corals, inverts, or other fish.
Diet & Feeding
Planktivore. Feed frozen mysis shrimp, frozen enriched brine shrimp, and small-particle pellets twice daily. Supplement with live copepods or amphipods when available. Ensure food reaches the lower water column where this fish hovers.