Pinecone Fish EXPERT ONLY (Cleidopus gloriamaris)

Fish in the family Monocentridae. Expert care. Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCleidopus gloriamaris

FamilyMonocentridae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyReef Safe

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietcarnivore

Adult size12 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

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

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

Pinecone fish have a distinctive, heavily armored body covered in thick bony plates, giving them a pinecone-like appearance. They are deep golden to silvery-bronze with dark bands along the body, and possess photophores (light-producing organs) along their sides used for bioluminescence.

Diet and feeding

Feed live or frozen small crustaceans, copepods, mysis shrimp, and small fish larvae. They are nocturnal feeders and require frequent small meals. In captivity, target feed at night when they are most active.

Difficulty and care for the Pinecone Fish EXPERT ONLY

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

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific waters from the Red Sea to Australia, typically found at depths of 50-600 meters in deep reef environments.

Log Pinecone Fish EXPERT ONLY 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 Pinecone Fish EXPERT ONLY alongside everything else in your reef.

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