Quick Stats
Moderate |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
Brown, Blue |
Diet
Carnivore |
Reef Compatible
Yes |
sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
5-6″ |
Family
Microdesmidae |
Minimum Tank Size
20 gallons |
|
Description
The Curious Wormfish (Gunnelichthys curiosus) is a slender, eel-like fish featuring vibrant blue and brown stripes running the length of its body. This striking coloration, combined with its curious and gentle nature, makes it a unique and attractive addition to reef and community aquariums. Native to sandy and rubble-filled regions of the Indo-Pacific, this species spends most of its time hovering near the substrate, creating an interesting dynamic within the aquarium environment.
Curious Wormfish are peaceful and generally non-aggressive, making them ideal tank mates for other small, non-aggressive species. They are also reef-compatible and will not harm corals or invertebrates, which makes them well-suited for peaceful reef tanks. They are best kept in tanks with plenty of hiding spots and sandy substrates, as they enjoy burrowing and feeling secure in their environment.
As carnivores, Curious Wormfish feed primarily on small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of finely chopped frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other micro-planktonic prey. Frequent, small feedings are ideal for ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is sufficient for this relatively small fish, and it can be kept in groups if space allows. The Curious Wormfish’s peaceful nature and ease of care make it a suitable choice for intermediate aquarists looking to add a unique, active species to their community or reef setup.