Sargassumfish (Histrio histrio) Care Guide
Histrio histrio, the sargassumfish, is a frogfish specialised for life among floating Sargassum mats, where it is a cannibalistic ambush predator.
Overview
Histrio histrio, the sargassumfish, is a marine fish of the family Antennariidae described by Linnaeus in 1758. According to Wikipedia and FishBase, it is specialised for life among floating Sargassum seaweed, with weed-like protrusions covering the body and fins and stalked, grippy pectoral fins that let it clamber through and cling to the weed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Antennariidae
- Genus: Histrio
- Scientific name: Histrio histrio (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat
FishBase records a near-cosmopolitan distribution across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and western Pacific. It lives near the surface, usually associated with floating objects or Sargassum, and is occasionally found near shore among floating seaweed. Wikipedia notes it is commonly blown into shore and bay waters during storms. Reported depths range from 0 to 50 m, typically 0-2 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 12-15 cm (FishBase reports a maximum of 20 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 5-20 years
Diet
The sargassumfish is a carnivore. FishBase describes it as a voracious predator feeding on fishes and shrimps that shelter in the floating weed. Wikipedia adds that it is a cannibalistic ambush predator using suction feeding and able to swallow prey larger than itself; one recorded specimen contained 16 juveniles in its stomach. In aquaria it is typically fed live or thawed meaty foods such as silversides.
Compatibility
This is a solitary species that is cannibalistic and best kept alone. Smaller fish and ornamental shrimp would be eaten and should be avoided; even conspecifics may be consumed.
Breeding
The species is oviparous. FishBase and Wikipedia report that during courtship the male follows the female closely before both rush to the surface to spawn, with eggs bound in gelatinous mucus that adheres to floating seaweed.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2013), as reported by FishBase.