Shrimpfish

Shrimpfish

Aeoliscus strigatus

Identification Extremely thin, laterally compressed, almost transparent body with a dark horizontal stripe running from snout to tail. Swims in a unique head-down, vertical posture in groups.
Maximum Length Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Origin Indo-Pacific — Red Sea to Japan and Australia
Minimum Tank Size 30 gallons (species tank or peaceful nano)
Reef Compatible Yes — completely reef safe

Behavior

Also called the Razorfish or Jointed Razorfish. One of the most unusual fish in the hobby — schools swim in synchronized head-down formations, often hiding among sea urchin spines or long-spined corals. Peaceful and fragile, best kept in species tanks or with very calm, non-competitive tank mates.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Feeds on tiny zooplankton and copepods. Requires live copepods initially; can be trained onto frozen baby brine shrimp and frozen copepods. A refugium supplying live copepods greatly improves long-term success.

Cautions

Very delicate and easily outcompeted for food. Not suitable for community tanks with aggressive feeders. Requires calm water and gentle flow. Keep in groups of 3+ for natural behavior.