Hi-Fin Sailfin Snapper
Symphorichthys spilurus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Hi-Fin Sailfin Snapper (Symphorichthys spilurus) is a large Indo-Pacific snapper known for its blue horizontal striping and long, thread-like fin extensions (often called the Threadfin Snapper or blue-lined sea bream). As it matures, it becomes a strong, open-water swimmer that brings constant motion to big fish-focused marine systems.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruises the open water for long stretches, then swings past rockwork to reset its “lap”
- Tracks food quickly in the water column and learns feeding routines on a schedule
- Uses caves/overhangs as quick retreat zones, especially when lights change
- Often settles into a predictable “patrol route” around the tank within the first couple of weeks
How to succeed: Provide wide, open swimming lanes with sturdy rockwork arranged to leave clear turning space. Offer a varied rotation of chopped seafood and quality frozen marine blends, split into multiple smaller feedings for best consistency. Keep tankmates similarly sized and confident so the snapper can feed calmly and maintain its steady cruising behavior.
Will the fin “streamers” stay long as the fish grows?
The long fin filaments are most noticeable on smaller specimens and can look shorter as the fish’s body thickens with age. Good nutrition and low-stress handling help keep fins in clean condition.
Is it normal for this snapper to “dash” when startled?
Yes—many keepers report quick burst swimming during sudden movement or lighting changes. A calm acclimation and leaving clear space around rockwork helps it settle into a steady routine.
Can it be kept with smaller, decorative shrimp?
Many hobbyists treat small shrimp as potential prey once the snapper is established. Larger, robust invertebrates tend to last longer, but results vary by individual and feeding consistency.
Does it do better alone, or with other large fish?
Most keepers report the best long-term results when it’s one of the larger, centerpiece swimmers among other substantial fish. In very large systems, it’s typically mixed with other big, active species rather than kept as a “pair fish.”
How fast does it outgrow a typical home aquarium?
Growth is commonly described as “quick” once the fish is eating well and has room to cruise. Plan around its adult footprint and long-term swimming behavior rather than its purchase size.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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