Belted Sandfish

Scientific Name: Serranus subligarius

Reef Compatibility: with Caution

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gal

Max Size: 3 inches

Food/Feeding: Carnivore

Approximate Purchase Size:  1-2 inches

Notes: The belted sandfish has a laterally compressed elongate body with a relatively short, pointed snout. It has 3 clearly visible spines on the gill cover, the middle spine being straight. 

The Belted Sandfish is a predatory species, the smaller fish, less than 1.6 inches in total length they eat small crustaceans such as amphipods, gammarids and shrimp they will also readily accept frozen or other prepared foods. Belted Sandfish are solitary fish which hunt close to the substrate, typically as the sun goes down. They capture prey by drawing it into their large mouth by creating a powerful suction as the mouth opens and then swallowing it whole.