{"product_id":"banana-fish","title":"Banana Fish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Banana Fish (\u003cem\u003ePentapodus emeryii\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly traded as \u003cem\u003ePentapodus nemurus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a sleek and colorful marine aquarium fish prized for its vivid blue-to-silvery coloration and contrasting yellow longitudinal stripes. The upper body may display rich blue or lavender tones while the underside is considerably lighter, creating a bright, streamlined appearance. Younger specimens are often particularly colorful, with some of that intensity becoming more subdued as the fish matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Pacific, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and northwestern Australia, this species inhabits clear coastal reef slopes and reef-associated areas. It spends much of its time swimming close to reef structure and the substrate while searching for small fish, crustaceans, worms, and other benthic prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 14 inches as an adult, the Banana Fish is best suited to a spacious saltwater aquarium with substantial open swimming room. It can be maintained in a large reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium, but its predatory feeding habits require careful selection of smaller fish and ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: With Caution\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Western Pacific – Philippines, Indonesia, and northwestern Australia\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003ePentapodus emeryii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTrade Synonym: \u003cem\u003ePentapodus nemurus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large aquarium with generous open swimming space and a combination of established rockwork, caves, ledges, and sandy or rubble areas. This active species benefits from a long aquarium footprint that allows uninterrupted cruising while still providing secure retreats when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn open sandbed is useful because the fish naturally investigates areas close to the substrate while searching for food. Rock structures should leave clear swimming lanes rather than creating an overly dense aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, good oxygenation, efficient biological filtration, and consistent maintenance are recommended. A secure lid is advisable, particularly during acclimation or when the fish is startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Banana Fish is a carnivore that naturally feeds on small fish, crustaceans, brittle stars, marine worms, and other benthic animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied selection of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp, clam, scallop, squid, and appropriately sized pieces of marine fish. High-quality sinking marine pellets and frozen carnivore blends can also be incorporated once readily accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed smaller portions once or twice daily. Newly introduced specimens may initially be hesitant feeders, so offering highly palatable frozen foods such as mysis or finely chopped marine seafood can help encourage a feeding response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Banana Fish is generally not highly territorial toward unrelated species, but it is an opportunistic predator. Any fish small enough to be swallowed should be considered at risk as the Banana Fish grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, medium to large angelfish, larger wrasses, and other peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish that are too large to be viewed as prey. Avoid very small gobies, dartfish, tiny cardinalfish, and similarly sized species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species may occur singly or in groups in the wild. A single specimen is the most practical choice for most home aquariums, while keeping multiple individuals requires considerably more swimming space and filtration capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: With Caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Banana Fish does not normally feed on corals, making it compatible with many coral-dominated displays. Its main reef compatibility concern is predation on smaller animals rather than direct coral damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnamental shrimp, small crabs, brittle stars, worms, and other suitably sized benthic invertebrates may be eaten. Very small reef fish may also become prey as the Banana Fish matures. For this reason, it is best suited to reef systems where the livestock has been selected with its predatory nature in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water quality is more important than maintaining one exact value within these ranges. Consistent salinity, temperature, and pH, along with good oxygenation and filtration, will support successful acclimation and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan reach approximately 14 inches and requires substantial open swimming space as an adult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall fish, ornamental shrimp, worms, and other benthic invertebrates may be viewed as prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles may display brighter blue and yellow coloration than mature specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium lid is recommended, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually best maintained singly unless an exceptionally large aquarium can accommodate multiple adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52555325374762,"sku":"MISCxBananaS","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52555325407530,"sku":"MISCxBananaSM","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52555325440298,"sku":"MISCxBananaM","price":98.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52555325473066,"sku":"MISCxBananaML","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52555325505834,"sku":"MISCxBananaL","price":125.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52555325538602,"sku":"MISCxBananaX","price":200.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BananaFish_51d75a71-80ac-4893-9378-0867945e44b3.png?v=1788987885","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/banana-fish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}