{"product_id":"zebra-sole-zebrias-zebra","title":"Zebra Sole - Zebrias zebra","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZebra Sole (Zebrias zebra)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Zebra Sole, Zebrias zebra, is an unusual bottom-dwelling marine flatfish recognised by the bold dark bands crossing its flattened, oval body. Both eyes sit on the upper side of the fish, allowing it to remain concealed against sand or mud while watching for small crustaceans and other benthic prey. Native to coastal waters of the Western Pacific, this secretive sole spends most of its time resting on or partially buried beneath the substrate. Its distinctive appearance makes it an interesting specialist aquarium fish, but its adult size, predatory diet and limited captive-care history mean it is best suited to an experienced fishkeeper with a mature, purpose-planned system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZebra Sole, Zebra-striped Sole, Banded Zebra Sole.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZebrias zebra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommonly around 16–20 cm, with a reported scientific maximum of approximately 28.8 cm standard length. Long-term accommodation should be planned around the larger potential adult size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species may also occur in coastal brackish environments, but aquarium specimens should normally be maintained under stable full-marine conditions unless their collection history is known.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWestern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of Thailand through southern Japan, the Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia. It is not naturally recorded from New Guinea or Australia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZebra Soles inhabit shallow coastal waters at depths of approximately 5–40 metres. They remain on sandy or muddy bottoms, including areas close to sheltered reefs, seagrass and coastal bays, where their striped pattern and flattened body help them blend into the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable salinity, strong oxygenation, efficient biological filtration and consistently good water quality are important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful towards fish that remain in the open water, but predatory towards small bottom-dwelling animals. The Zebra Sole is not normally territorial or aggressive in the conventional sense, although it may consume small gobies, shrimps, crabs and other animals that rest close to the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly aggressive or boisterous tank mates that may disturb the sole, damage its exposed upper surface or prevent it from obtaining enough food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivorous benthic predator. In the wild, Zebra Soles feed mainly on bottom-living invertebrates, particularly small crustaceans, with worms, molluscs and small fish potentially taken when available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer enriched mysis shrimp, whole or chopped marine prawns, krill, clam, mussel, cockle, chopped marine fish and other sinking meaty foods. Food should be placed directly onto the substrate near the fish, particularly during subdued lighting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens may not immediately recognise prepared foods. Live marine shrimp, enriched Artemia, small crabs or moving food presented with feeding tongs may be required initially before gradually transitioning the fish onto suitable frozen foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 350 litres is recommended for one adult, with a broad footprint and a substantial uninterrupted area of soft substrate. Larger accommodation is preferable for a specimen approaching its maximum recorded size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA highly specialised bottom-dwelling flatfish that spends most of its time lying directly on the substrate or partially burying itself beneath the surface. It moves by undulating the long dorsal and anal fins around the edge of its body, allowing it to glide across the seabed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Zebra Sole may remain motionless for extended periods while camouflaged, becoming more active during subdued lighting and after dark when searching for food. Only the eyes and part of the upper body may remain visible when the fish is buried.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Zebra Sole is not expected to consume coral tissue deliberately. However, small ornamental shrimps, crabs, worms, snails and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates may be hunted. Very small fish that rest on the substrate may also be at risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts burying and gliding behaviour can disturb loose frags, cover low-positioned corals with sand and reduce populations of beneficial benthic invertebrates. It is better suited to a spacious fish-only, FOWLR or specialist sand-bottom aquarium than a densely stocked mixed reef.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a deep, open bed of fine, soft marine sand. The substrate should be smooth and free from sharp shell fragments, coarse crushed coral or abrasive gravel that could damage the fish’s delicate underside and fin margins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeave a substantial area of the aquarium floor unobstructed. Rockwork should be placed securely on the aquarium base before sand is added so that the fish cannot undermine unstable structures while burying or moving across the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect only an alert specimen with clear eyes, intact fin margins and a well-filled body. Confirm that it is feeding before purchase whenever possible, as aquarium husbandry information for this species is limited and newly imported soles may be difficult to establish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget feeding is often necessary. Ensure sinking foods reach the fish before they are taken by wrasses, triggers, puffers or other fast-feeding tank mates. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent it decomposing within the sand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid small bottom-dwelling fish and valuable ornamental crustaceans. Suitable companions should remain mainly in the middle or upper water levels and be too large to swallow. Avoid large predatory fish that may attack or attempt to consume the sole.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse a secure aquarium cover, protect pump intakes and maintain strong overall oxygenation without directing powerful flow across the resting area. Quarantine should be managed in a tank containing soft sand or another non-abrasive resting surface rather than a completely bare glass base.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47136185385133,"sku":"AG-104337","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47136185417901,"sku":"AG-104338","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47136185450669,"sku":"AG-104339","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/ZebraSole-Zebriaszebra.jpg?v=1785597067","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/zebra-sole-zebrias-zebra","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}