Stripey
Genus: Microcanthus
Species: M. strigatus
Maximum Size: 6”
Aggression: Low
Temperature: 70-80 F, can handle lower temperatures for short periods of time
pH: 7.5-8.5
Hardness: 15-25 dH
Brackish Tolerance: 1.014-1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Feeding: Can and will eat basically any food offered. Flakes and pellets, frozen brine and Mysis shrimp, earthworms, vegetable matter (cucumber, peas, etc), chopped shellfish and fish
Notes: Stripeys are Marine fish that will readily adapt to high end brackish conditions. They are active fish which are far from shy once they are adapted to aquarium life.
Easy going fish, they can be kept with a wide variety of non-aggressive tankmates. For non-related fish, anything which can’t be swallowed whole should make a decent tankmate; Monos, Scats, Mollies, and Lined Soles all make good choices. They can also be kept in groups and are not reported to be aggressive to conspecifics. Stripey tanks should include a lot of rock work, and live rock is especially beneficial for aiding in nitrification.
Stripeys, as with most Sea Chubs, are extremely hardy fish and are not known for being prone to diseases or infections. In tank crash scenarios, they are usually among the last fish to pass.
Sources
Marines in the brackish water aquarium, Neale Monks
The Chubs Called Rudderfishes, Subfamily Kyphosinae, Bob Fenner
Australian Stripey, Liveaquaria
