Sailfin Snappers, Juvenile

(Symphorichthys spilurus)

Provide an aquarium with plenty of rockwork, cracks, crevices and caves for hiding. Snappers also require wide open swim areas and a deep sand bed. They will sift through the sand looking for prey. They are not reef safe and will eat any fish or invertebrate they can fit in their mouth. Provide a diet of meaty based foods three times a day. Snappers may not eat prepared foods when first acclimated, try feeding enriched live adult Brine Shrimp or Black Worms. Juveniles are colorful but as the fish matures their coloration will fade. Snappers should be housed with other peaceful tank mates. Keep only one per aquarium and provide a tight fitting lid as they may jump.

The Sailfin Snapper is a common name used for Snappers in the genus Symphorichthys. These fish are not commonly seen in the aquarium trade due to their large size and relatively aggressive behavior. Sailfin Snappers have a distinctive appearance with a reddish-pink body, yellow fins, and a black spot near the base of the tail fin. They can grow up to 16 inches in length.

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 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: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted
  • Light: LightHighHigh