Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly coral-rich zones from the Red Sea to the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Prefers rubble-strewn reef flats and lagoons with rich hiding cover.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Nearly invisible when motionless, this fish masters stillness and mimicry. Small yellow or bluish spots and complex textures add beauty up close. Ambush-style movement and slow hover-swimming offer a unique dynamic in contrast to active species.

Purpose
Serves as a solitary predator in nano or specialty reef tanks. Adds intrigue and realism to cryptic reef setups, mimicking wild microhabitats.

Importance
An excellent subject for species-focused nano displays or educational exhibits on reef camouflage and predation. Encourages precision aquascaping and observational patience.

Included Resources
Requires high-quality live rock, crevices, rubble piles, and low flow. Secure lid is mandatory due to rare but possible darting. Feeding tools and isolated feeding zones are essential.

Best Use Cases
Nano reefs (20+ gallons), species-only displays, or predator-focused pico tanks. Often kept in coral-focused tanks without mobile inverts.

Conservation Context
Not currently at risk, but sensitive to habitat degradation. Wild collection should be ethical—avoid undersized specimens or sellers without sourcing transparency.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Should be kept alone or with:
 – Micron gobies
 – Non-aggressive blennies
 – Pipefish (if size-compatible)
 – Soft corals and hardy LPS
 – NO shrimp, crabs, or ornamental inverts

Region (A)
• Latitude: 9.0723° N
• Longitude: 125.5110° E
(Surigao del Sur, Philippines – coral rubble slope zones)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.3149° S
• Longitude: 143.9555° E
(Papua New Guinea – shallow coral lagoon edges)