The Striped Stingfish (Minous trachycephalus) is a lesser-known marine species belonging to the Synanceiidae family, which includes stonefishes. This species is notable for its cryptic behavior and venomous spines, making it both intriguing and potentially hazardous.
Key Information
• Small fish safe: ⚠️ With caution (may prey on very small fish)
• Small invertebrate safe: ⚠️ With caution (may consume small crustaceans)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes (does not harm corals)
• Minimum tank size: 115 litres (30 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small fish and invertebrates
• Be aware of: Venomous spines; handle with extreme caution
Appearance and Colouration
Minous trachycephalus exhibits characteristics typical of stingfishes:
• Body: Elongated with a flattened head and body, aiding in its benthic lifestyle.
• Colouration: Generally mottled brown or sandy hues, providing effective camouflage against sandy or muddy substrates.
• Fins: Possesses pectoral fins with modified spines that resemble tiny wings, which are used for “walking” on the seabed.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
This species is typically found over soft bottoms of the continental shelf, often in shallow, sheltered habitats with sparse seagrass beds. Minous trachycephalus is a secretive species, usually found by accident. It buries itself in the sand during the day and sits on top of the sand at night.
Diet and Feeding
As a carnivorous predator, the Striped Stingfish feeds on small fish and invertebrates. In captivity, it has been observed consuming live ghost shrimp and freshly-killed ghost shrimp.
Aquarium Care
While Minous trachycephalus is not commonly kept in home aquariums, those interested in housing this species should consider the following:
• Tank Size: A minimum of 115 litres (30 gallons) is recommended to provide adequate space.
• Substrate: A sandy or fine-gravel substrate is ideal to allow natural burying behavior.
• Aquascaping: Incorporate sparse seagrass or artificial plants to mimic its natural habitat.
• Diet: Provide a carnivorous diet consisting of live or freshly-killed prey such as shrimp or small fish.
• Tank Mates: Select non-aggressive species of similar size to avoid predation or stress.
Due to their venomous spines, caution is advised during tank maintenance to prevent injury.