for every 1,000 eggs. Surprisingly, at only 8 weeks
post-hatch, the baby Lookdowns have grown to a sufficient size for retail sale—they are already “quarter-size”
(roughly 1 inch or 2. 5 cm in total length, excluding fin
extensions)—a tremendous growth rate for a marine ornamental. Proaquatix says that they experience no particular shipping or care issues with these fish, although
young Lookdowns, like any other marine fish, do dislike
poor water quality or temperature changes.
The captive care of Lookdowns is relatively easy, and
Young juvenile Lookdowns reared experimentally by Algagen. Note long dorsal extensions that, in turbulent conditions, can become tangled.
bacterial issues that often cause losses in wild fish. And
they can be purchased at far smaller sizes and slightly
lower prices than most wild-caught specimens.
Proaquatix promises more Lookdowns in 2011, and
they are also focusing on other consistent sellers to help
ensure a solid financial footing for the company in the
years to come. This means we should see the return of
some unique species that Proaquatix became known for
breeding in the early 2000s, hopefully including items
like Flametail Blennies (Enchelyurus flavipes), fang blen-
they make eyecatching display animals in a large home
aquarium. These are big fish, growing to over 12” ( 30
cm) in length, with some reports putting this species at
18” ( 45 cm). They are undeniably cute as babies, but
you must be prepared to house them for the long term—
most retailers recommend aquariums over 150 gallons
in size. These roving predators are quick to make a meal
of anything meaty that fits in their mouths. In private
aquariums they often are used to add another dimension
to “predator” tanks containing large, rugged tankmates
such as Groupers and Lionfish.
nies (Mieacanthus spp.), and various gobies, including
some Watchman Gobies. Still, Eric Wagner hinted there
could be a wildcard or two in 2011 and 2012 to keep us
on our toes—we’ll all be watching.
Matthew Pedersen is a marine fish breeder and 2009 MACNA
Aquarist of the Year. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota.
RefeRences
Proaquatix: http://www.proaquatix.com/
Algagen: http://www.algagen.com
Videos of Captive-bred Lookdowns ReefBuilders: http://
reefbuilders.com/2010/06/19/lookdown-fish-selene-vomer-
captive-raised-proaquatix/
Fishbase reference for Selene vomer - http://www.fishbase.org/
summary/ speciessummary.php?id=1004
