Common name: Pacific creolefish
General information
The Pacific Creolefish, Paranthias colonus, is a vibrant species known for its striking coloration and active swimming behavior. This species is a member of the grouper family, Serranidae, and is often found in large schools in the wild, which can be a spectacular sight for divers.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- School
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusParanthiasParanthias
- SpeciesPacific creolefishParanthias colonus (Valenciennes, 1846)
- SynonymsParanthias pinguis Walford, 1936Serranus colonus Valenciennes, 1846
Care
In the aquarium, Pacific Creolefish require a spacious tank with plenty of open water for swimming, as well as rockwork or caves for hiding. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh. It's important to note that they can grow quite large, so they are best suited for larger aquarium systems.
Reproduction
In the wild, Pacific Creolefish are known to form spawning aggregations, which can be a challenge to replicate in the home aquarium. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught.
Habitat
Pacific Creolefish are typically found in the Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They inhabit rocky reefs and steep slopes, often in strong current areas, at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 feet.