The Razor Fish occurs within the reefs of the Indo-Pacific where they form large congregations among whip corals, seagrasses, acroporas or within long spine urchins. They have an elongated body that is dark in colour as a juvenile and when mature, their body lightens to a silver colour, and they develop a dark longitudinal line spanning the entire length of the fish. These are very interesting fish that swim in a vertical position. Razor Fish are difficult to keep in an aquarium, unless maintained in a mature system with plenty of live rock, macro and micro algae and are only kept with like species, such as pipefish and seahorses. Razor Fish will not harm ornamental invertebrates in a reef setting. It requires plenty of hiding places such as caves or overhangs. This fish reacts poorly when harassed by other more aggressive fish such as blennies, wrasse, gobies, triggerfish, and puffers.
When first introduced into the aquarium, live food should be used to entice this fish to eat. The diet should consist of small live invertebrates such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, baby guppies, grass shrimp, mosquito larva, and daphnia. The Razor Fish does not have fat stores and needs to be fed at least three times per day.
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Peaceful
Color Form: White
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 23-26° C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 15cm
Family: Centriscidae
Minimum Tank Size: 230L
