Common name: sailfin snapper
General information
The Blue and Gold Snapper, Symphorichthys spilurus, is a strikingly beautiful fish known for its bright blue lines and golden body. It is a member of the Lutjanidae family, which includes other popular snappers. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other snappers, but it is highly prized by aquarists for its vivid coloration and peaceful demeanor.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 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
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a varied diet and open swimming space.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods.
- Social
- School Does well in groups, can be shy solo.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilySnappersLutjanidae
- GenusSailfin SnapperSymphorichthys
- Speciessailfin snapperSymphorichthys spilurus (Günther, 1874)
- SynonymsSymphorus spilurus Günther, 1874
Care
Symphorichthys spilurus requires a large aquarium to accommodate its potential size, which can reach up to 70 cm in the wild, although in captivity they usually grow to about half that size. They need plenty of swimming space and a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. It is important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blue and Gold Snappers form large spawning aggregations, which are not commonly replicated in the home aquarium. Breeding these fish in captivity is rare and would require a very large system to accommodate their natural behaviors.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Blue and Gold Snapper includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 60 meters, where they swim in mid-water or near the bottom, often in schools during their juvenile stage.