Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Pygmy Red Rooster Waspfish are native to the Indo-Pacific. Uncommon in the hobby, the Pygmy red rooster waspfish are beautiful small fishes that have a red body mottled with white patches and a dramatic dorsal fin in which they get the name rooster. Scorpionfish, in general, often sit immobilized on the substrate as they wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by them. Pygmy red rooster waspfish can be kept solitary or in small groups, so long as there is not harassment within the group. For the best chance at success of keeping a group, adding all individuals at once into the aquarium is ideal. An adult Pygmy red rooster waspfish can reach a size of approximately 2″ to 2-1/2″. Pygmy red rooster waspfish are sensitive to copper based medications. Caution: Waspfish have a series of venomous spines on their dorsal fin that are used in defense. If stung, the sensation is similar to a bee sting but more potent. Remove any part of the spine from the affected area (if applicable) and put the wound underneath the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 15 – 20 minutes; this breaks down the venom proteins. Then seek the appropriate medical attention. For those that are sensitive to stings, seek medical attention immediately.

Diet Requirements: Waspfish are carnivores. In most cases, they need to be offered live food as a precursor to frozen foods. We recommend giving live ghost shrimp a high quality flake food before feeding them to a waspfish so that they have greater nutritional value. Use a pair of tongs to hold the prey in front of the waspfish so that it begins to associate the tongs with feeding. Some waspfish may turn away or be startled at first, but consistency is key. Once your waspfish is interested in frozen foods, appropriate options will vary depending on the size of the individual. Examples include brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, pieces of krill, and chopped fish to maintain optimal health and coloration. Because waspfish don’t actively swim throughout the day in the water column, they can be target fed every other day or every two days. Note: While we strive to offer waspfish that are eating strictly frozen foods, or a combination of frozen foods and live foods, it is not uncommon for them to revert back to only accepting live foods for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Pygmy rooster waspfish. A group would require space of 55 gallons or greater. This species cannot be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters in good condition (Nitrates < 20 ppm). Waspfish appreciate some live rock in the aquarium, especially caves, outcroppings and ledges. Given that this species does stay on the small size, it may be possible to keep one in a reef setting if other tank mates are chosen accordingly (i.e., cannot be eaten). Pygmy rooster waspfish are not overly aggressive and therefore should not be kept with such tank mates, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources because their feeding strategy is quite slow. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.