Ornate Stiphodon

Stiphodon ornatus

Males show a pointed dorsal, a large tail and fine black dots on pectoral rays.

The male first dorsal has extended middle spines, a relatively long tail and spotted pectoral rays. Faint rear-body bars vary with display state. Females are commonly longitudinally striped.

Adult length: Up to 7 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Native to Aceh and West Sumatra, Indonesia; the type locality is the Barung Belantai River.

Prepare mature grazing surfaces before purchase. Not a new-tank algae remedy. Maintain clean, oxygenated water and close escape gaps.

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Appearance and identification

Unlike S. semoni, males have a pointed first dorsal and conspicuous pectoral dots, without the white patch behind the pectoral base. Orange fins alone are insufficient.

Floor and movement space

Arrange several illuminated stone faces and crevices. An 80 × 30 cm footprint is suggested.

Aquarium environment

Edge planting can provide cover while leaving lit rocks. Dense shaded, low-flow arrangements may conflict with grazing needs.

Diet and feeding

Maintain mature biofilm and check that it accepts suitable supplements. Occasional frozen food is not adequate long-term feeding.

Same-species behaviour

Dorsal displays can accompany territorial behaviour. Break sightlines and check feeding and body condition.

Compatibility limits

Other grazers can compete for surface food.

Sources

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg ↗ 2026-10-22