| Jackknife fish or Equetus lanceolatus are | | | | minimized by adding more than one of this |
| members of the family Sciaenidae more | | | | species to their new surroundings simultaneously. |
| commonly referred to as the drum family. This | | | | This species is not a suitable candidate for a |
| species is endemic to the western Atlantic and | | | | marine reef aquarium. Its diet in its natural habitat |
| the Caribbean Sea. | | | | consists of many of the inhabitants typically found |
| This distinctive looking creature's name is a direct | | | | in a reef tank. It will view your ornamental |
| reference to its unique shape. Its elongated dorsal | | | | crustaceans as a source of nutrition. |
| fin and slender tail region give the fish's body the | | | | Jackknives are carnivorous. Getting them to start |
| general shape of the letter U resembling a half | | | | feeding when they are newly captured can prove |
| opened pocket knife. Their extended dorsal fin | | | | problematic. They may be traumatized. Or there |
| has also lead to the fish being called a highhat. This | | | | is a distinct possibility that they simply don't |
| species has three evenly spaced black vertical | | | | recognize marine fish foods as a source of |
| bars on its body. Juveniles are yellow and black. | | | | nutrition. Providing the fish with dietary choices |
| As the fish matures it will loose its yellow | | | | similar to what it would eat in nature will aid in its |
| coloration. Adults have silver bodies. This is not a | | | | acclimation. Offering it live brine shrimp or |
| particularly rare fish. Despite its exotic appearance, | | | | bloodworms may tempt it to start eating. Having |
| this species is not commonly found in home | | | | an adequate supply of living rock will also simulate |
| aquariums. | | | | its native feeding grounds. It will eventually figure |
| The jackknife is a relatively large fish. It will reach | | | | out that frozen products, pellets and flake food |
| up to 10 inches in length as an adult. A minimum | | | | developed for marine carnivores are a legitimate |
| tank size of 55 gallons is recommended to | | | | food source. |
| provide it with adequate room. A 75 gallon tanks | | | | Chopped fresh sea food such as shrimp and squid |
| is considered ideal. This is a very timid, peace | | | | will help provide a well balanced diet. In the wild, |
| loving creature and will require plenty of hiding | | | | these fish comb through the sandy ocean floor in |
| places if you intend to raise one in a community | | | | search of fireworms and polychaete worms. A |
| setting. It may very well remain hidden until it | | | | sand substrate will prevent this creature form |
| builds up the confidence to venture out into its | | | | accidentally inflicting injury upon itself. Living sand |
| new surroundings. Housing it in a refugium will help | | | | will provide it with a natural source of nutrition |
| make it feel more secure and reduce its general | | | | similar to what it is accustomed to eating. |
| stress levels upon initial introduction. | | | | Remember this is a skittish creature. You will |
| Despite its demean nature this fish will | | | | want to avoid mixing it with more aggressive |
| demonstrate moderate territorial behavior | | | | species and forcing it to compete for its food. |
| towards members of its own species. This can be | | | | |