Four-Eyed Fish (Anableps anableps) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 100 gallons and 75-82°F. A surface-hunting livebearer with eyes divided so it can look above and below the water at once. It is usually kept in brackish water, needs a wide shallow tank with a lot of surface area, and a tight lid and low water level suit its habits.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Anableps anableps |
|---|---|
| Family | Anablepidae |
| Origin | Estuaries and coastal rivers of northern South America |
| Adult size | 8-12 in |
| Minimum tank | 100 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful with similar-sized fish |
| Social behavior | Groups in a large, wide tank |
| Swim level | Top |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Carnivore: insects, flake and pellets that float, small live and frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Use brackish water and measure salinity.
- Choose a wide, shallow tank with lots of surface; they spend their time at the top.
- Cover tightly; they jump.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi