{"product_id":"red-rooster-waspfish","title":"Red Rooster Waspfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Red Rooster Waspfish (\u003cem\u003eParacentropogon zonatus\u003c\/em\u003e), also called the Bandtail Waspfish, is a small, cryptic predator with a tall, deeply notched dorsal fin and mottled reddish-brown camouflage. Pale patches and irregular bands help it disappear against reef rubble. Color varies between individuals, so the trade name does not guarantee a uniformly bright red fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Pacific, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia, it inhabits rocky bottoms and reef crevices. It spends much of its time resting among cover rather than swimming conspicuously through open water. Published specimens reach approximately 2.1 inches (5.2 cm) standard length, measured without the tail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a specialist display fish for an experienced aquarist who can provide quiet surroundings and verify that it is eating. Its small size does not make it suitable for a busy nano community. Slow feeding, a camouflaged appearance, and potentially injurious defensive spines require a deliberate aquarium setup and careful maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Difficult\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons for adult housing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 2.1 inches (5.2 cm) standard length, excluding the tail\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Pacific, Philippines and Indonesia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eParacentropogon zonatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature aquarium of at least 30 gallons with an open area of smooth sand, scattered rubble, and stable rockwork forming low caves and shaded ledges. Keep resting areas accessible for observation so a hidden fish can still be checked for appetite and body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse gentle to moderate, indirect circulation rather than a strong jet across the bottom. Maintain adequate oxygenation and biological filtration without forcing the fish to swim continuously. Shade within the rockwork is useful even when the rest of the aquarium is brightly lit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtect equipment intakes and use a fitted cover. Position rockwork securely so it cannot trap the fish, and avoid sharp, abrasive substrate. Plan a feeding area where food can be offered close to its resting place without being taken immediately by other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA carnivore, this waspfish captures small crustaceans and other appropriately sized animal prey. New arrivals may initially accept only moving live foods. Arrange a reliable supply of suitably small, nutritious marine feeder shrimp or other appropriate live crustaceans before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer small mysis shrimp and finely chopped marine seafood near the fish using a pipette or long feeding tool. Gentle movement may encourage a strike. Transition patiently to varied frozen marine foods when possible, but confirm that food is actually swallowed rather than merely investigated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer small meals daily and adjust quantity to appetite and body condition. Do not depend on flakes, pellets, freshwater feeder fish, or a single type of food. Remove leftovers and monitor shy fish closely during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally quiet toward animals too large to swallow, it remains an opportunistic predator. Tiny fish and ornamental shrimp may be eaten despite its sedentary behavior. A species-focused aquarium or a quiet display with carefully selected, non-nipping tankmates is the most manageable arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid boisterous wrasses, triggers, puffers, aggressive damsels, and fast feeders that may harass it or take every meal. Larger predatory fish can swallow a small waspfish. A solitary specimen is easier to monitor than multiple cryptic predators competing for the same shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef safe with caution: it does not normally feed on coral tissue, but small shrimp and other mouth-sized animals are potential prey. Coral compatibility alone does not establish compatibility with the entire reef community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep strongly stinging animals away from its resting sites. Allow space between its preferred ledges and delicate corals, and confirm that the reef's flow and feeding competition suit a slow, bottom-oriented fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–78°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\u003eKeep water clean, well oxygenated, and stable. Match the receiving aquarium to the animal's existing salinity during acclimation, and make subsequent adjustments gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDefensive spines:\u003c\/strong\u003e Treat the spines as potentially venomous. Avoid bare-hand contact and use a rigid specimen container for transfers; ordinary gloves are not reliable protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding confirmation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A fish that remains concealed still needs regular meals. Observe consumption and maintain appropriate live food if frozen food is refused.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reported size is approximately 2.1 inches standard length, excluding the tail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCamouflage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Check its location before moving rocks, siphoning substrate, or cleaning equipment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmate selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protect it from bullying while excluding tiny fish and shrimp it could swallow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50412095439146,"sku":"WASPxRed","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-red-rooster-wasp-1204622509.png?v=1762990914","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/red-rooster-waspfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}