Common name: Chinamanfish
General information
The Bluefin Trevally, Symphorus nematophorus, is a strikingly beautiful and powerful fish known for its electric blue fins and sleek, streamlined body. It's a popular species among advanced aquarists due to its vibrant coloration and active swimming behavior. This species is also known for its hunting prowess and is a top predator in its natural habitat.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs varied diet & hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at LPS/soft corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, esp. to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilySnappersLutjanidae
- GenusClown TriggerfishSymphorus
- SpeciesChinamanfishSymphorus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860)
- SynonymsGlabrilutjanus marshalli Whitley, 1932Glabrilutjanus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860)Lutianus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860)Lutjanus nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860)Mesoprion nematophorus Bleeker, 1860Paradicichthys venenatus Whitley, 1930Symphorus forsteri Fowler, 1933Symphorus taenilatus Günther, 1872Symphorus taeniolatus Günther, 1872Symporichthys nematophorus (Bleeker, 1860)
Care
Bluefin Trevally are best suited for very large aquariums due to their size and active nature. They require ample swimming space and a varied diet of meaty foods such as squid, fish, and crustaceans. It's important to note that they can be aggressive towards smaller tank mates and are best kept with other large, robust fish.
Reproduction
In the wild, Bluefin Trevally form large spawning aggregations and are known for their elaborate courtship displays. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare and requires a very large system to accommodate their behavior and growth.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Bluefin Trevally are found in a variety of marine environments from shallow bays to deep offshore reefs. They are often seen patrolling reef edges in search of prey and can be found at depths ranging from the shallows down to about 190 meters.