Australian Stripey - Microcanthus strigatus

Small

$194.99

Australian Stripey - Microcanthus strigatus

Miscellaneous Fish Reef Safe Caution

$194.99

SKU: STRIPEYxAustralianS

5 Day Guarantee

Reef Guard Covers You

Ships Overnight

Only FedEx Priority

Expert Support

We've got your back!

Diet

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Min Tank Size 50 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe No

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: The Australian Stripey is an omnivore with a strong preference for algae and small benthic invertebrates in the wild, grazing on filamentous algae, microcrustaceans, and other tiny reef-associated foods. In captivity, it is beneficial to base the diet on marine algae sheets (nori), spirulina-based flakes, herbivore pellets, and high-quality omnivore formulations, with supplemental offerings of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and other meaty treats to ensure balanced nutrition. Offer plant foods on a seaweed clip and disperse small portions in the water column to encourage natural foraging and active feeding behavior. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, and maintain strict control over portions to prevent overfeeding and preserve excellent water quality.

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

Australian Stripey is an active, midwater schooling fish that spends much of its time cruising open water and picking around reef structure, so it does best in a spacious aquarium with ample swimming room and some hiding places among rockwork. It is generally peaceful to semi-aggressive and can be territorial, especially toward conspecifics, which may be harassed unless the tank is large enough to diffuse aggression. A minimum tank size of around 55 gallons is suitable for a single specimen, though larger systems are strongly preferred for groups; a layout with plenty of visual barriers and broken lines of sight helps reduce chasing and stress. In mixed communities, it usually coexists well with other reef-safe species and robust tank mates, but should not be paired with very timid fish that may be outcompeted. Australian Stripeys are primarily omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and other tiny animal matter in the water column, with some grazing on film algae and detritus. Regular, varied feedings of prepared marine foods, frozen plankton, and small meaty items will support healthy behavior and coloration.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 50 gallons
Max Size: 6 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Origin: Australia

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: No

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: No
Care Level: Moderate

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How large of an aquarium does an Australian Stripey actually need, and can a single specimen live in a smaller “nano” marine tank?

An Australian Stripey is an active, open-water schooling fish and should not be kept in a nano tank. A single specimen can technically survive in a larger system, but it does much better in a tank of at least 75 gallons, with 100+ gallons preferred if you want stable water and enough swimming room. They are constantly on the move and become stressed in cramped quarters, which often shows up as fading color, frantic pacing, or hiding.

Is the Australian Stripey reef-safe, and will it eat corals, clams, or ornamental shrimp?

Yes, it is generally considered reef-safe. Australian Stripeys do not typically bother corals, clams, or most ornamental invertebrates. They are plankton pickers rather than coral nippers. That said, any fish can be unpredictable if underfed, so keep them well fed with frequent small meals to prevent them from picking at tiny crustaceans or stealing food from more delicate tankmates.

What is the best diet for an Australian Stripey in captivity, and why do some specimens refuse prepared foods?

In the wild, Australian Stripeys feed mainly on plankton and tiny drifting organisms, so in captivity they do best on a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, and quality small-pellet marine foods. New specimens sometimes refuse dry food because they are used to moving prey. Feeding small portions several times a day and starting with frozen foods usually helps. A strong appetite is a good sign; a Stripey that stops eating often does poorly quickly.

Can Australian Stripeys be kept in groups, and how do they behave with their own species?

They are naturally schooling fish and do best in groups rather than alone, especially in larger tanks. A lone Stripey may become shy or nervous, while a small group tends to act more confidently and show better natural behavior. In very small systems, however, group keeping can increase competition and stress. If you want to keep multiple, provide plenty of open swimming space, rockwork for retreat, and consistent feeding so the dominant fish does not monopolize food.

What tank conditions make Australian Stripeys thrive, and are they sensitive to water quality changes?

They are not usually considered the most delicate marine fish, but they are very sensitive to poor water quality and instability. Keep them in fully cycled saltwater with stable salinity, strong filtration, excellent oxygenation, and moderate water movement. They prefer clean, well-aerated water and can react badly to ammonia, nitrite, and long periods of elevated nitrate. Sudden swings in salinity or temperature can also cause stress, so stability matters more than chasing “perfect” numbers.

Goes well with:

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

ALMOST WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: Small 1-3 Inches, Large 3+ Inches

***AIPTASIA EATING MACHINES***

Australian Stripey (Microcanthus strigatus)

The Australian Stripey is a striking schooling fish known for its bold black-and-yellow vertical stripes and compact, disc-like body. Native to coastal reefs and rocky areas, Stripeys add both movement and visual contrast to marine aquariums. Their peaceful nature and unique appearance make them an appealing choice for hobbyists looking to diversify their tank's aesthetic.

Tank Requirements

Australian Stripeys do best in aquariums of 55 gallons or more, with ample swimming space and scattered rockwork or reef structures for shelter. Though hardy and adaptable, they thrive in well-maintained tanks with stable water parameters. A group of Stripeys will display more natural schooling behavior and feel more secure.

Diet and Feeding

Stripeys are omnivorous and will accept a wide variety of foods. Offer a mix of high-quality flake or pellet foods, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine algae to ensure balanced nutrition. Regular feedings support their active lifestyle and vibrant coloration.

Tankmates and Behavior

Australian Stripeys are peaceful and reef-safe, making them excellent community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species and are unlikely to nip at corals or invertebrates. Keeping them in small groups of three or more helps reduce stress and encourages natural schooling behavior.