Where to buy Pinecone Fish
ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this fish. Click through to see the live price.
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Saltwaterfish
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Amazon
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Petco
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About Pinecone Fish
Small, stocky fish with a distinctive globular, heavily armored body covered in sharp bony plates arranged like pinecone scales. Coloration is silvery-gray with dark markings; photophores (light organs) line the body.
Key facts
- Family
- Monocentridae
- Max Size
- 6
- Care Requirements
- • 75+ gallon aquarium with live rock structures • Nocturnal; requires dim lighting and hiding places • Stable water parameters: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.3, low nitrate • Carnivorous diet of small live/frozen foods (copepods, mysis shrimp) • Sensitive to poor water quality; needs excellent filtration
- Notes
- Rare but iconic species. Has bioluminescent organs. May be difficult to feed initially. Requires dim lighting.
- Aka
- Japanese Pinecone Fish, Pineapple Fish
- Min tank size
- 75 gallons
- Common Health Issues
- Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Care Level
- Expert
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty Level
- Expert - Rare and difficult to feed. Best suited for expert aquarists only.
- Diet Details
- Feed small live or frozen meaty foods such as copepods, amphipods, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped fish. Pinecone fish are specialized microcarnivores and may initially refuse prepared foods; live prey helps acclimation.
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