Pirate Perch
COMMON NAME: Pirate Perch.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aphredoderus sayanus.
DESIGNATION: Coldwater.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Northern,southern and eastern USA.
SIZE: Around 13 cm (5 in).
WATER PREFERENCES: Not critical, butprobably coltish for spawning. Widetemperature range (though not tropical)tolerated.
DIET: Predominantly livefoods.
BREEDING: Females guard eggs laid in asimple nest.
DESCRIPTION: A. sayanus is a nocturnal predator which is best kept on itsown. Tank lighting, if provided, should besubdued. Dense clumps of shade-loving plantsshould also be provided.
The most unusual feature of this remarkable fish is that its anus migrates during growth! It starts life in the 'normal' position, directly in front of the anal fin, but gradually moves forward as the fish grows,ultimately coming to rest in the adult's throat region.
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