Red Rooster Pygmy Waspfish

(Paracentropogon zonatus)

Meet the reef’s punk-rock predator! This compact ambush hunter looks like it's ready to party- perfect for hobbyists who love unique, interesting, and slightly mischievous showpiece fish.

 Species Highlights

• Striking red and white
  

• Naturally cryptic - loves to perch and blend into rockwork

• Small, dwarf species that maxes out around 3" 
  

• Venomous dorsal spines (handle your tank with care!)

Care Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Scorpionfish are easygoing once settled, but require attentive awareness with any tank maintenance due to being venomous.  

Behavior & Personality

This species is a classic ambush predator - slow, deliberate, and happy to lounge in your rockwork, waiting for food to drift by. They rarely roam, but they’re fascinating to watch, especially at feeding time and will be the highlight for any visitors to meet.

 Diet

• Frozen mysis, amphipods, brine shrimp
  

Feed 3–4x weekly as they have a slow metabolism. They do NOT compete well with fast, aggressive feeders.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons if alone and well established.  

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Temperature: 75–78°F

• Aquascape: Plenty of rockwork, caves, and shaded perches.  Coral and macroalgae safe.  

• Flow: Moderate, variable, or gentle surge

This species is “reef safe with caution” - it will not bother corals but will eat small fish or shrimp that can fit in its mouth.

Compatibility

We like to keep them by themselves as the real showpiece.  They are the perfect fit for the PNW Macro Mini Pond!

If adding to a community tank then best kept with:

• Peaceful tankmates too large to be considered prey

• Slow-moving or similar-tempo species
  

Avoid:

• Aggressive tankmates

• Speedy feeders that will outcompete it

• Any small invert or fish it could swallow

⚠️ Venom Warning

Like all scorpionfish, this species has venomous dorsal spines. Always know where your fish is when working in the tank and avoid direct contact.  The Macro Lady is not responsible for any injury incurred by venomous fish.