Belted Sandfish
Serranus subligarius
Share Your Photos
Be the first to contribute photos or videos of this fish.
Your profile will be tagged on all media you contribute.
Suggested Tank
114+ liters
Max Size
10 cm
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A stubby, boldly patterned dwarf sea bass in shades of red-brown with dark scale-row lines, a dark stripe through the eye, a bright white belly bar, and dark bars on the rear body that extend into a black blotch on the soft dorsal. It stays under about 4 inches but is a bold, predatory perch-and-pounce ambusher that will bully smaller tankmates and swallow anything it can fit in its large mouth, so pair it with equally assertive fish in a subtropical/tropical Atlantic-themed tank with plenty of rockwork and ledges. It ignores corals entirely, making it reef-compatible, but it is a serious threat to shrimp, small crabs, and pods; a mature tank of 30 gallons or more with stable temperatures in the mid-70s suits it well.
Reef Safe
With caution
Environment
Requires a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots and stable water parameters.
Behavior
Generally peaceful but may exhibit territorial behavior towards smaller fish.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
No Reviews Yet
Be the first to review this fish.
For Sale
No active listings found
Similar Fish
Other medium fish you might like
Write a Review
Belted Sandfish
Serranus subligarius
Suggest an Edit
Join The Community
Create an account to contribute to the community
Prefer our mobile app?
Scan to download the app
Download ReefBay
Scan the QR code with your phone to download the app
Available on iOS and Android