Cockatoo Waspfish

(Amblyapistus taenionotus)

Ablabys 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. Slower water currents should be provided for the slow moving fish. Waspfish are venomous having poisonous spines on its back. Take care when placing hands in the aquarium. Ablabys 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. Ablabys Waspfish feed mainly during the day on small fish, crabs and shrimp. Most Waspfish require live enriched adult Brine, Grass/Glass Shrimp or Black Worms. Waspfish can be trained to accept meaty foods offered on a stick over time.

Cockatoo Waspfish are also sometimes known as the Cockatoo Leaffish or Roque Fish. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Cockatoo Waspfish are a light tan to dark brown color with irregularly shaped white small spots. Cockatoo Waspfish can grow to almost 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 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: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium