Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Hi-Hat Drum, earning the name from its pronounced black and white dorsal fin, is endemic to the Caribbean Sea. This charming fish will surely add some pizzazz to your aquarium with its silver body that has many dark horizontal stripes running the length of it. As Hi-hats mature, these stripes tend to become even more pronounced. While an adult Hi-hat can grow to approximately 6 – 8″, do not be fooled by its size. The Hi-hat is a relatively peaceful aquarium inhabitant and should be mixed with tank mates that have a similar disposition (please see more in the Care Requirements section). Hi-hats are social and do best when kept in groups of 3 or more individuals.
Diet Requirements: Hi-hats are carnivores. A diet consisting of various proteins and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, and other mixed saltwater preparations will maintain optimal health, immune function and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as Hi-hats are continually active and have high metabolisms.
Care Requirements: A minimum 90 gallon aquarium that is at least 12″+ wide is ideal for a small group of Hi-hats. As they grow, the tank may need to be upgraded accordingly. Hi-hats require a substrate that is several inches deep due to their natural behavior of combing the sand bed for crustaceans and worms. Hi-hats appreciate a mix of open swimming space and live rock in the aquarium, especially caves to take refuge in if felt threatened. In fact, it is not uncommon for newly introduced Hi-hats to hide while they acclimate to the surroundings. Hi-hats will not nip or bother coral but are to be added “with caution” into a reef aquarium as it is unpredictable whether invertebrates in the clean-up crew are in danger of being predated on. Hi-hats should not be kept with overly aggressive tank-mates in order to thrive and be active in the open. While Hi-hats have not been reported to eat small fish, use caution with larger individuals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size:Â Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Small/Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 4-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
