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Hello and welcome to Critter Care! My name is Elizabeth Henderson. I look forward to writing what I hope will be an interesting and informative series of articles highlighting various species of exotic pets and their care in captivity, as well as some of the health issues that are commonly seen in our domestic pets. I always enjoy speaking with fellow animal lovers, so please feel free to contact me at: ElizabethHenderson@slocoastjournal.com with any questions or comments that you might have.
The Beautiful RhinopiasBy Elizabeth HendersonOur oceans are filled with truly amazing creatures of all shapes and sizes. From the majestic blue whale to the tiny Irukandji jellyfish, there seems to be no end to wondrous variety of life in the sea. While many of these amazing animals are best left in the wild, others can make fascinating, beautiful, long lived pets. People have been successfully keeping marine aquariums for many years and one of the most sought after inhabitants is the Rhinopias spp. scorpionfish. Just seeing a picture of these intriguing animals is enough to understand why; they are beautiful and unusual. The genus Rhinopias contains six species, with the weedy scorpionfish (R. frondosa) being the most commonly seen in the aquarium trade. All Rhinopias have laterally compressed bodies with eyes set high on their heads. Many species also have unique dermal appendages that can be seen above the eyes, around the mouth, and along their body. The location and number of these appendages varies from species to species and even between individuals. These appendages aid the fish in blending in to their surroundings which aids them in capturing prey. Rhinopias are ambush predators that will lie in wait, unmoving, until an acceptable meal comes along. Though capable of swimming, it is far more common for them to ‘walk’ along the bottom using their pectoral and pelvic fins. Rhinopias, like all scorpionfish, are venomous, so care should be exercised in their handling. Rhinopias can adapt very well to aquarium life having similar requirements to more commonly kept reef dwelling fish. One challenge is their diet; in the wild they consume only live food. Because of this most individuals must be trained to accept non-live food, such as pieces of shrimp or fish, from a feeder stick and some individuals may never accept anything but live food. It is best to avoid feeding goldfish as, over time, this may result in thiamine deficiency. Properly fed mollies or ghost shrimp are better choices. It is advisable to train them to accept non-live food whenever possible both for convenience and help ensure proper nutrition. It is important to note that Rhinopias have surprisingly large mouths and will likely consume any mobile tankmates that they can fit in their mouths, particularly fish, but also shrimp and even the occasional crab. Due to their relative inactivity, Rhinopias can be kept in smaller aquaria. A tank of at least thirty gallons will provide a suitable home. It is a good idea to consider keeping a macro alga or two with your Rhinopias as this can help them to feel more comfortable and adjust to captive life. They are often found residing amongst macro algae in the wild and may alter their color to better blend with their surroundings. Make sure to leave some open space on the sandbed as they will often spend time out in the open once adjusted. Though relatively hardy once established, Rhinopias are susceptible to the same common diseases as other more commonly kept fish. Fortunately they can be treated in similar manners as well. It is common for Rhinopias to have minor damage to their lower jaw after being shipped. This condition should be watched for possible secondary bacterial infections, but with good care the fish usually returns to full health. Rhinopias are somewhat unique in that they are capable of shedding their skin. Often when preparing to molt the fish’s eyes will become cloudy. This is no cause for concern and should return to normal once the molt is finished. It is thought that molting aids them by removing algae and external parasites. If you are looking for a rare and beautiful aquarium inhabitant, consider a Rhinopias scorpionfish for your next pet! |
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Rhinopias frondosa resting in macro algae
Rhinopias aphanes 
Rhinopias frondosa 
