Common name: lookdown
General information
The Lookdown, Selene vomer, is a visually striking fish known for its laterally compressed body and large, reflective scales that give it a distinctive, mirror-like appearance. This species is a member of the Carangidae family, which includes jacks and pompanos. Lookdowns are often appreciated for their unique shape and graceful swimming style, making them an interesting addition to larger marine aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires open swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods, adaptable
- Social
- School Best in groups, can be skittish
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyJacksCarangidae
- GenusLookdownSelene
- SpecieslookdownSelene vomer (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsZeus gallus Linnaeus, 1758Zeus vomer Linnaeus, 1758
Care
Lookdowns require spacious tanks due to their schooling nature and preference for swimming in open water. They are fast swimmers and need ample room to move. A diet of small fish, crustaceans, and various meaty foods is essential for their health. They are generally peaceful but may eat smaller fish and invertebrates, so tankmates should be chosen with care.
Reproduction
In the wild, Lookdowns form large schools during the spawning season. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the fry can be challenging due to their specific planktonic food requirements in the early stages of life.
Habitat
Lookdowns are found in the Western Atlantic, from Canada to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coastal waters, often over sandy or muddy bottoms, and can be found at depths ranging from shallow flats to over 70 meters deep.