Western Atlantic: Caribbean from southern Florida to Trinidad and Tobago, and from Yucatán to Venezuela; rocky reef and scattered coral, 0–40 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
29 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes
Care
Tank and decor: rockwork with open sand areas to patrol. The tank size given is an estimate based on its adult size. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour: usually seen alone or in pairs. It hunts by suction, so any small shrimp or fish is at risk. Identification: black and white checkerboard pattern with a long, tapering snout. Trade and status: present in the aquarium trade. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serranustigrinus). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Carnivore that sucks small crustaceans into its large mouth and swallows them whole. Feed meaty foods such as mysis, chopped prawn and fish.
Breeding
A simultaneous hermaphrodite: each fish can act as male or female when spawning, and self-fertilisation is possible. Not bred in home aquaria.
Compatibility and tank mates
The list rates it reef safe in that it leaves corals alone, but it will eat small crustaceans (including ornamental shrimps) and small fish. Keep with medium-sized fish.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
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