Japanese Pineapplefish

(Monocentris japonica)

Pineapplefish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves, cracks and crevices should be provided for grazing and hiding. Pineapplefish may pick at benthic organisms or sessile invertebrates. A diet of meaty and algae based foods should be provided multiple times daily. If not readily eating offer live foods such as enriched live Brine, Grass Shrimp and Black Worms. Pineapplefish are quite shy and peaceful but can become territorial towards others tank mates, house with larger fish that are not easily harrassed. Pineapplefish attract their prey with its light organ on its jaws.

Japanese Pineapplefish are also sometimes known as the Pineconefish. Uncommonly seen in the aquarium trade. Japanese Pineapplefish have distinct large scales trimmed in black against a yellow body. Japanese Pineapplefish can grow to almost 7".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 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
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightLowLow