Origin
Native to the Indo-West Pacific, including coral reefs of East Africa, Indonesia, northern Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Typically found in reef slopes and seagrass beds.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Displays intricate black and yellow linework across a cream-colored body, resembling topographic map lines. Reaches up to 26 inches in the wild. Its unique facial structure and constant movement make it an eye-catching showpiece.

Purpose
Used in large predator marine aquariums as a solo centerpiece or paired with other robust species. Its behavior is engaging—it patrols territory, investigates objects, and reacts to keepers.

Importance
One of the most intelligent marine fish in the hobby. Recognizes caregivers, responds to routine, and needs mental stimulation. A long-lived, personality-rich addition for serious aquarists.

Included Resources
Requires a 300+ gallon tank, strong flow, excellent filtration, and a protein skimmer. Diet must include shelled foods to wear down ever-growing beak. Enrichment structures and caves reduce boredom.

Best Use Cases
Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) tanks. Ideal for public aquariums or private collectors with large marine setups. Avoid in reef systems—will eat inverts and nip at corals.

Conservation Context
Wild-caught specimens dominate the trade. Overcollection in some regions can disrupt reef balances. Advocacy for responsible sourcing and reduced waste in the hobby helps mitigate impact.

Ideal Tank Mates
• Other large, non-aggressive predators
• Groupers, triggers, large wrasses
• No small fish or invertebrates
• Avoid housing with territorial or sharp-toothed tankmates

Region (A)
• Latitude: -5.0707° S
• Longitude: 119.4166° E
(Sulawesi, Indonesia — coral reef slopes)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -18.2871° S
• Longitude: 147.6992° E
(Great Barrier Reef, Australia)