Lookdown Fish

Lookdown Fish

Selene vomer

Identification Extremely laterally compressed, disc-shaped silver body with a steep forehead and large eyes positioned near the top of the head — giving the "lookdown" appearance. Reflective metallic silver sides.
Maximum Length Up to 19 inches (48 cm)
Origin Western Atlantic — Nova Scotia to Uruguay
Minimum Tank Size 200 gallons
Reef Compatible Not recommended

Behavior

A schooling, pelagic fish related to jacks. Remarkable for its mirrored, disc-like body. Occasionally kept in large public aquarium tanks. Requires very large, open swimming space and excellent water quality. Groups of 3+ behave more naturally.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Feeds on small fish, shrimp, and invertebrates. Offer live feeder shrimp to initiate feeding, transitioning to frozen silversides and mysis shrimp.

Cautions

Difficult to keep in home aquariums. Best in very large, minimally decorated tanks. Stressed easily by tank mates that are boisterous or by confined spaces.