Common name: Black widow
General information
The Black Brotula, Stygnobrotula latebricola, is a rare and intriguing species of fish that is not commonly found in the aquarium trade. This deep-sea fish is known for its unique adaptations to life in the dark abyssal zones of the ocean. It has a slender, elongated body with a dark, velvety coloration that helps it blend into the dimly lit surroundings of its natural habitat.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts.
- Aggression
- Aggresive Aggressive, especially in small tanks.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPearlfishOphidiiformes
- FamilyViviparous brotulasBythitidae
- GenusBarreleyeStygnobrotula
- SpeciesBlack widowStygnobrotula latebricola Böhlke, 1957
- SynonymsEutyx tumidirostris Boeseman, 1960Stignobrotula latebricola Böhlke, 1957
Care
Due to its rarity and specialized habitat requirements, the Black Brotula is not typically kept by hobbyists. If one were to attempt to keep this species, it would require a very deep and large aquarium with minimal lighting to mimic its natural deep-sea environment. The tank would also need to be equipped with a chiller to maintain the low temperatures that this species is accustomed to.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Black Brotula in the wild or in captivity. It is presumed that, like many deep-sea fish, they have specific and possibly complex breeding behaviors that are not well understood.
Habitat
Stygnobrotula latebricola is found in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean, typically at depths exceeding 1,000 meters. It inhabits the benthic zone, living among the sea floor's sediments and rocks where it can find shelter and hunt for its prey.