{"product_id":"banana-fish","title":"Banana Fish EXPERT (Pentapodus Caninus)","description":"\u003cdiv role=\"feed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"article\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso Known As:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small-Toothed Whiptail, Purple Reef Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Banana Fish (\u003cem\u003ePentapodus caninus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a sleek, torpedo-shaped whiptail bream, its slender body roughly three times longer than it is deep and tapering to a pointed, fox-like snout. Juveniles at the sizes typically offered are the most eye-catching phase, showing a vivid blue to blue-gray base crossed by two bright yellow longitudinal bands, the upper one thin and running from behind the eye along the lateral line, the lower one broader and sweeping from below the eye back to the tail. As the fish matures the blue gives way to olive-green or dark golden-brown, the yellow banding softens, the fins take on a pale reddish cast, and the crescent tail develops elongated red-tipped lobes. A small pair of canine teeth at the front of each jaw is another family trait. These are active, free-swimming mid-water fish that cruise near the bottom over sandy patches and reef margins, hunting small fish, larger zooplankton, and benthic inverts. Temperament is genuinely peaceful toward tankmates too large to be eaten, and small juveniles like these suit a reef display well, but as they grow they'll readily take ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, featherdusters, brittle stars, and any fish small enough to swallow, so treat it as reef safe with caution over the long term. Pair it with calm, appropriately sized community fish and avoid aggressive tankmates, since this species isn't equipped to defend itself, and keep just one per tank. A new arrival may sift the top layer of the sand bed for prey, which is normal foraging rather than a problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the small juvenile sizes offered here, a 55 to 75 gallon tank is a comfortable starting home, but this is a fast-growing, open-water species that will eventually need 150 gallons or more, so build an upgrade path into the plan from day one. Because these are mid-water cruisers rather than rock dwellers, prioritize long, unobstructed swimming lanes and a wide footprint over dense aquascaping, while still including a mostly exposed sand bed for foraging plus a few rocky crevices to duck into when startled. Moderate flow works well, and a mature, stable system is preferred. A tight-fitting lid with no gaps is absolutely essential, as this is a well-documented jumper, and small juveniles are especially prone to bolting when spooked. Feeding is generally easy once settled, with most specimens readily taking prepared and frozen foods, but a reluctant new arrival will usually start on live enriched adult brine or small live grass shrimp offered several times daily. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.5–2.25\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore; finely chopped fish flesh, shrimp, clam, scallop, and mysis, plus frozen carnivore preparations and quality marine pellets, with live brine or grass shrimp useful for initial feeding, fed 3 times daily\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons for juveniles, with 150 gallons or more required as it grows\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reef safe with caution, as larger specimens will eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, featherdusters, brittle stars, and small fish. A well-documented jumper that must have a gap-free lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"REEFBEAUTIES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49492923154661,"sku":"2475","price":63.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/3005\/0300\/files\/Misc_BananaFish.png?v=1788828348","url":"https:\/\/reefbeauties.com\/products\/banana-fish","provider":"Reef Beauties","version":"1.0","type":"link"}