Symphorichthys spilurus (Sailfin snapper)

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Facts

Latin name	Symphorichthys spilurus - (Günther, 1874)
Local name	Sailfin snapper
Family	Lutjanidae - Symphorichthys
Origin	Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Central/West Pacific
Max length	60 cm (23.6")

As aquarium fish

Minimum volume	1400 l (369 gal)
Hardiness	Hardy
Suitable for aquarium	Suitable with care
Reef safe	Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness	Aggressive towards other species

Feed

Recommended	Fish Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Mostly	Other invertebrates

Grows fast

This species grows very quickly if fed well.

Can be a threat to small fish

This spicies might be a threat to smaller fishes.

Can be a threat towards crustaceans etc.

This species will eat shrimps, crabs, small bivalves, snails and the like.

Demand a very large aquarium when fully grown

This species needs a very large aquarium when fully grown.

Exactly how big the aquarium should be is hard to say, but the size of this species is such, that it cannot normally be kept in a home aquarium.

Aggressive

This species can be extremely aggressive towards other fish.

Be careful when keeping these fish together with peaceful or docile species. Regular feeding, plenty of hiding places and a lot of space can alleviate aggressive behavior to some degree.

Thrive best on their own

These fish flourish better without other members of the same species in the aquarium.

Heavy load

This species eats a great deal and demands an aquarium that can tolerate such a heavy load.

Acclimitises best as a juvenile

This species will better acclimatize to the aquarium`s condition if introduced, when young.

Very small individuals can be very delicate.

Frequent feeding

This fish requires feeding several times a day, especially when newly added.

When the fish can find its natural food in the aquarium it requires less frequent feeding.

Overhangs and caves

This species thrives best in an aquarium with overhangs and caves.

Requires plenty of space for swimming.

This species revels in swimming and requires an aquarium with ample space.

Initially shy

This species can be very shy when first introduced into a new aquarium.

More aggressive fish can be introduced after this species has acclimatized.

Family description (Lutjanidae)

Snappers (Lutjanidae) are predatory fish, which normally live off fish and a wide range of invertebrates; typically crustaceans, but also snails, sea urchins, worms etc. They will mostly find their food on the bottom, and some species will blow in the sand to find food.

Unlike the other species, species in the Macolor, Pinjalo and Rhomboplites genera live of the larger kinds of zooplankton.

Snappers are generally fairly hardy, but are only suitable for very large aquaria. One should arrange the tank, with a large overhang or hole where they can hide.

FishBase

Aquarium trade	Yes
Distribution	Western Pacific: Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia and the Great Barrier Reef, including New Guinea, Sulawesi (Celebes), Admiralty Islands, Palau, and Philippines. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797). Also known from eastern Indian Ocean from Rowle
Danish common names	Sejlfinnesnapper
English common names	Sailfin snapper Blue-lined sea bream

References and further reading

About references

Scott W. Michael. 2004. Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes (Reef Fishes Series Book 3) TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Snappers, Family Lutjanidae - Wet Web Media - (English)
WWM Crew. FAQs about Snappers, Family Lutjanidae - Wet Web Media - (English)