Common name: peacock sole
General information
The Peacock Sole, scientifically known as Pardachirus pavoninus, is a unique and fascinating species that adds a touch of intrigue to any marine aquarium. This species is known for its ability to blend into its surroundings thanks to its remarkable camouflage abilities. The Peacock Sole has a flattened body and eyes that are positioned on the left side, which is typical for many flatfish as they lie on the seafloor.
One of the most notable features of the Peacock Sole is its defense mechanism. It secretes a substance called pardaxin, which deters predators and is of interest to researchers studying shark repellents.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods, live feed.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to small fish.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderFlatfishPleuronectiformes
- FamilySolesSoleidae
- GenusSolefishPardachirus
- Speciespeacock solePardachirus pavoninus (Lacepède, 1802)
- SynonymsAchirus maculatus Kuhl & van Hasselt in Bleeker, 1852Achirus pavoninus Lacepède, 1802Aseraggodes ocellatus Weed, 1961Aseraggodes persimilis (Günther, 1909)Paradachirus pavonimus (Lacepède, 1802)Paradachirus pavoninus (Lacepède, 1802)Pardachirus parvonimus (Lacepède, 1802)Pardachirus povaninus (Lacepède, 1802)Pordachirus pavorinus (Lacepède, 1802)Solea persimilis Günther, 1909
Care
Peacock Soles require a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat where they can bury themselves. They are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and fish in the wild. In the aquarium, they should be provided with a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Peacock Sole in the wild or in captivity. However, like other flatfish, they are likely to have a pelagic larval stage before settling on the bottom and undergoing metamorphosis to their adult form.
Habitat
Peacock Soles are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms near coral reefs, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters.