Ocellated Waspfish

(Apistus carinatus)

Apistus Waspfish should be added to an aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, cracks and crevices to hide, they are a shy fish. Waspfish are small, bottom dwelling fish requiring large open areas with plenty of sand and rubble as they may try to bury themselves in the sand if threatened. Low water currents should be provided for this slow moving fish. Waspfish are venomous having poisonous spines. Take care when placing hands in the aquarium. Apistus Waspfish are shy, easily picked on by larger more aggressive fish, peaceful tankmates are required. House only one Waspfish per aquarium unless a mated pair. Apistus Waspfish feed mainly at night on small fish, crabs and shrimp. Most Waspfish require live enriched adult Brine, Glass/Grass Shrimp, or Black Worms. Waspfish can be trained to accept meaty foods offered on a stick over time.

Ocellated Waspfish are also sometimes known as the Beared or Longfin Waspfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Ocellated Waspfish are generally a blue to pink gray color with a black ocellated spot and yellow pectoral fins. The Ocellated Waspfish can grow to almost 8" but more typically almost 4".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef HabitatSand FlatSand Flat
  • Light: LightMediumMedium