| Aeoliscus strigatus | |
|---|---|
| Aeoliscus strigatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gasterosteiformes |
| Family: | Centriscidae |
| Genus: | Aeoliscus |
| Species: | A. strigatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Aeoliscus strigatus Günther, 1861[1] |
|
Aeoliscus strigatus, also known as the razorfish, is a member of the family Centriscidae of the order Gasterosteiformes. This unique fish adopts a head-down tail-up position as an adaptation for hiding among sea urchin spines.[2]
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The razorfish is generally found in coastal waters from the central Indian Ocean to the Red Sea to Hawaii. Its natural habitat includes beds of sea grass and coral reefs, where sea urchins are found.[3]
The dorsal surface of the razorfish is covered by protective bony plates. They extend past the end of the golden yellow body and over the tail fin, which terminates in a sharp spine. A dark band runs the length of the fish. The razorfish can grow up to 6 in (15 cm) in the wild.[2]
No known sexual dimorphism.
The razorfish eats mainly small brine shrimp and other invertebrates.[2] They have also been known to eat minute crustaceans in the zooplankton.[4] In the wild they have been observed hiding in the spines of sea urchins, both as a defense mechanism and as a hunting mechanism. When threatened by larger fish, the razorfish darts away to a nearby sea urchin. The larger fish, wary of being stung by the sea urchin, which can sometimes be deadly, gives up the chase. They also hide in the spines for a completely different reason. When hunting, razorfish will hide among the sea urchin spines an wait for small invertebrates that feed on the urchins. When their prey gets close the razorfish will dart out and try to catch its dinner.[2]
As the full adult size of the razorfish is roughly 6 in (15 cm) it will need a fairly large aquarium, especially if it is not to be the only specimen in the tank. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is adequate, however some aquarists have noted unusual growth if given a tank over 60 gallons. The razorfish needs a balanced ecosystem to survive, including algae, smaller fish, larger fish, coral, and if available a small sea urchin. In the aquarium the razorfish will keep its head down position, but will not need to hunt the way it does in the wild. Care should be taken when handling sea urchins.[2]
The razorfish is considered a hardy fish in regards to temperature and pH. As long as the temperature is within the commonly accepted range of "tropical" and the pH is between 7.8–8.3, it will be fine. Salinity should be roughly 30 parts per thousand.[2]