Highhat

Pareques acuminatus

Identification	Silvery-white body with bold black horizontal stripes and a tall, sail-like first dorsal fin that gives it its name. Juveniles have an especially exaggerated high fin. Also called the High-hat or Cubbyu.
Maximum Length	9 inches
Origin	Western Atlantic and Caribbean
Minimum Tank Size	55 gallons
Reef Compatibility	Reef safe with caution — eats small shrimp and worms

Behavior

The Highhat is a member of the drum/croaker family, easily recognized by its striking black-and-white stripes and tall dorsal fin. It is a peaceful, secretive, largely nocturnal fish that hides beneath ledges and in caves during the day and emerges at night to forage along the substrate. It swims with a characteristic gentle rocking motion. Its bold striping and elegant fin make it an attractive, well-behaved addition to a peaceful reef or FOWLR tank. It appreciates a mature tank with plenty of live rock, shaded hiding spots, and open sand to forage over.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. In the wild picks small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates from the sand and rock. In captivity offer meaty foods — mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, and enriched brine — often after lights-out or via target feeding, since it is a slow, deliberate feeder. Feed daily.

Cautions

A slow, deliberate feeder — do not house with fast or aggressive fish that will outcompete it for food. Will eat small ornamental shrimp and worms, so keep that in mind for a full reef. Secretive and nocturnal, especially at first; provide caves and subdued areas. Best in a mature tank with an established food supply and stable water quality.