Common name: Grooved razorfish

General information

The Razorfish, also known as the Snipefish or Shrimpfish, is a unique and fascinating species that is well-known for its slender body and ability to swim in a vertical position. This peculiar swimming style, combined with its razor-like shape, helps it blend in with sea grasses and other vertical structures, providing camouflage from predators. The Razorfish is a member of the family Centriscidae and is scientifically known as Centriscus scutatus.

Care

Razorfish are relatively hardy and can be kept in a home aquarium with careful planning. They require a tank with plenty of swimming space and a sandy substrate. Vertical structures or sea grasses should be provided to mimic their natural habitat and allow them to exhibit their characteristic swimming behavior. They are peaceful fish but can be shy, so they should be housed with non-aggressive tank mates. Razorfish prefer to be in groups, so keeping several together can help them feel secure and display more natural behaviors.

Reproduction

In the wild, Razorfish are known to form large groups during the breeding season. They are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by males. In the aquarium, breeding Razorfish can be challenging, and there is limited information on successful captive breeding.

Habitat

Razorfish are found in shallow coastal waters, often among sea grasses or near coral reefs. They are distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to Japan. They typically inhabit waters up to 60 meters deep but are most commonly found at depths of 5 to 25 meters.