Splitfin Flashlight fish

(Anomalops katoptron)

Flashlight fish should be added to dimly lit, well established aquariums. Provide plenty of rockwork with caves, cracks and crevices for hiding. They are quite shy and easily startled with fast moving fish in the aquarium and even movement outside of the aquarium. Should always be the first fish added to the aquarium and are best maintained in small groups. Flashlight fish will attract small fish and shrimp using the luminescent bacteria contained in the photophore organ below each eye. Live enriched adult Brine Shrimp and Black Worms may need to be fed until meaty prepared foods are readily accepted.

Splitfin Flashlight fish are also sometimes known as Twofin or Great Flashlight fish. Not often found in the aquarium trade. Splitfin Flashlight fish are an overall dark brown to black color, white trimmed black fins and a photophore under each eye. Splitfin Flashlight fish can grow to almost 11".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightNocturnalNocturnal