Lookdown (Atlantic)

A bizarre and beautiful addition for a larger aquarium, the Lookdown certainly is unique. Its flattened body is so thin it is nearly impossible to believe. Its scales shine silver so brightly they are mirror-like. Its mouth is set low on its flat face, giving it a permanent grimace. Its dorsal, pectoral and anal fins are elongated and scythe shaped. Young fish have a few stripes along their back. The Lookdown may grow up to 18 inches, and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 180 gallons for a single individual, larger for a school.

The Lookdown is a peaceful fish which eagerly schools with its own kind. It prefers an aquarium with plenty of free swimming space and open sandy bottom. Good tank mates include batfish, rays, gurnards, scorpion fish, leaf fish, jawfish, sleeper gobies and tilefish. They do not commonly eat other fish, however very small tank mates are best avoided. Decor such as mangroves, gorgonians and sea grasses are best used at the aquariums ends, and rockwork kept to a minimum or not used at all.

Lookdown are carnivores and should be fed a high quality diet of krill, silversides and chopped seafood enriched with vitamins and Spirulina. Juveniles should be fed at least three times a day, and adults at least once a day.They may be prone to parasites such as ich, but are otherwise hardy and easy to keep.