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Species: Odontodactylus brevirostris

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Click on any image to see an enlargement. All photos © 2005 Roy Caldwell.

Common name: None

Functional type: Smasher

Range: Hawaii, Central Pacific

Habitat: Rubbly bottom; coralline algal bench

Depth: 10–50 m (usually at least 15 m)

Home: Simple u-shaped burrows

Diet: Generalist; small crustaceans, especially crabs, small gastropods

Size: 25–70 mm

Color: Mottled brown with red and white raptorial appendages, pink uropods

Distinguishing Characters: False pseudopupils on eyes

Activity: Diurnal, closes at night

Aquarium Requirements:

Temperature: 23–28° C

Salinity: 34–35 PSU

Cohabitants: Safe with large gastropods, echinoderms

Aquarium size (adult): 80 l

Aquarium substrate: Course gravel with some sand and small pieces of LR

Suitability for Aquarium: Fair; intolerant of changing parameters or low oxygen; very interactive and alert

Availability: Occasionally from Hawaiian suppliers

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