{"product_id":"australian-stripey","title":"Australian Stripey","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Stripey, \u003cem\u003eMicrocanthus strigatus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a distinctive saltwater fish known for its bold yellow-to-cream body crossed by dramatic black diagonal stripes. Its deep, laterally compressed body and high-contrast pattern create a striking appearance under aquarium lighting, while its active swimming behavior adds constant movement to a marine display. Adults reach about 6.4 inches in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative populations occur around Western Australia as well as parts of East Asia and Hawaii. In nature, Stripeys inhabit rocky and coral reefs, protected coastal waters, bays, harbors, and lagoon environments, where adults may form large schools. Their natural diet includes both algae and small invertebrates, making them adaptable omnivores in captivity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA successful display should be designed around the Australian Stripey's adult size and natural feeding behavior. Confirm adequate permanent housing, compatible tankmates, and reliable access to appropriate foods before introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons for adult housing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 6.4 inches (16.2 cm) fork length\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Australia, East Asia, and Hawaii\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMicrocanthus strigatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlan a minimum of 75 gallons for adult housing, with a footprint and aquascape suited to this species. Additional fish or groups require more usable space and filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Stripey should be housed in a spacious marine aquarium with a combination of open swimming room and substantial rockwork. A 75-gallon or larger aquarium provides appropriate long-term space for its adult size and active swimming behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange rockwork to create caves, overhangs, and sheltered areas while preserving open sections of the aquarium for cruising. The species naturally associates with rocky and coral reefs and may also gather beneath ledges or around other substantial structures. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, good oxygenation, dependable filtration, and stable water quality are ideal. A secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during acclimation or when the fish is startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Stripey is an omnivore that naturally consumes both algae and small invertebrates. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied captive diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped marine seafood, quality frozen marine blends, spirulina-based flakes or pellets, and marine algae. High-quality marine pellets can also be incorporated into the regular feeding routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed one to two times daily, or divide the daily ration into several smaller meals. Mature rockwork can provide additional opportunities for natural grazing and foraging between prepared feedings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Stripey is generally peaceful and can be maintained with a broad range of similarly peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, cardinalfish, tangs, and other appropriately sized community species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur in schools and aggregations, so multiple specimens can be maintained together when aquarium size and filtration allow. A group should be provided with substantially more swimming space than a single specimen to prevent crowding and competition at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid combining them with highly predatory fish capable of swallowing them or excessively aggressive species that may prevent normal feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Stripey is best considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is not primarily a coral-feeding species, and many specimens can coexist successfully in reef aquariums. However, its natural diet includes small invertebrates in addition to algae, so complete safety with every sessile or very small ornamental invertebrate cannot be guaranteed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished corals, larger ornamental shrimp, and most common reef inhabitants are generally at lower risk, while very small crustaceans, worms, and other edible reef fauna may be investigated or consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers. Maintain consistent salinity and temperature along with good oxygenation, dependable biological filtration, and regular aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally social:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults may form large schools, and groups can display attractive coordinated swimming behavior when given sufficient aquarium space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Preserve generous open-water areas rather than filling the entire aquarium with dense rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOmnivorous feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide both algae-based foods and protein-rich marine foods for balanced nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corals are generally at lower risk, but small invertebrates may be sampled as part of the species’ natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinct adult pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e The bold black-and-yellow striping remains a defining feature as the fish matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T (\u003c2\")","offer_id":52604047196458,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianT","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":52604047229226,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianS","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (2.6-3\")","offer_id":52604047261994,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianSM","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M (3.1-3.5\")","offer_id":52604047294762,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianM","price":224.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (3.6-4.25\")","offer_id":52604047327530,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianML","price":260.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L (4.26-5\")","offer_id":52604047360298,"sku":"STRIPEYxAustralianL","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-australian-stripey-t-2-1260956617.png?v=1793577432","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/australian-stripey","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}