Glass Eye Squirrelfish (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)

Fish in the family Priacanthidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameHeteropriacanthus cruentatus

FamilyPriacanthidae

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size11 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

Distinctive large, tubular eyes with reflective silvery-blue tapetum lucidum giving a glassy appearance. Body is compressed laterally, reddish overall with darker red blotches, and grows to approximately 11 inches; nocturnal and cryptic in the wild.

Diet and feeding

Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, offer high-quality frozen foods (mysis shrimp, bloodworms, small fish pieces) and live foods if available. May be reluctant to accept dry pellets initially.

Difficulty and care for the Glass Eye Squirrelfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, found in tropical reef and rocky environments.

Log Glass Eye Squirrelfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Glass Eye Squirrelfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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