Livestock | Marine | Marine Fish | Filefish

Keeping Filefish in Marine Aquariums

General Care:
Filefish are unique and intriguing species that thrive in stable marine tanks with temperatures between 75–82°F and a pH of 8.1–8.4. They prefer well-established tanks with plenty of live rock for grazing, shelter, and exploration. Filefish are generally hardy, though they require high-quality water conditions to stay healthy. They are not as sensitive to water chemistry changes as some other species but still benefit from stable parameters.

Feeding:
Filefish are primarily carnivorous, but their diet can vary depending on the species. Many species feed on algae, small invertebrates, plankton, and even coral polyps in some cases. Some species, like the Aiptasia Eating Filefish, are known to target nuisance species like Aiptasia anemones. They typically do best on a diet of high-quality meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, supplemented with algae-based foods. Some species can be challenging to get feeding on prepared foods and may prefer live food or specialized diets.

Compatibility:
Filefish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards their own kind or similar-shaped species. Many species are reef-safe and can coexist in peaceful community setups, but certain species, like the Orange Spot Filefish, may eat coral polyps or small invertebrates, so care should be taken when adding them to a reef tank. In general, filefish do well in tanks with ample space, plenty of hiding spots, and non-aggressive tankmates.

Popular Species:

• Mimic Filefish (Paraluteres prionurus): Known for its ability to mimic the pattern of the Valentini Puffer, peaceful, and reef-safe.

• Aiptasia Eating Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus): Excellent for controlling Aiptasia anemones, peaceful and reef-safe.

Behavior and Tank Setup:
Filefish are generally peaceful and curious, often swimming gracefully throughout the tank and grazing on algae. They prefer tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding spots, which offer security and areas for exploration. They are usually not aggressive but can show territorial behaviors, especially if there are multiple filefish or similarly shaped species in the tank. A well-scaped, spacious aquarium with ample swimming space will help reduce aggression.

Summary:
Filefish are fascinating and versatile species, with many offering natural pest control and algae management. While some species may not be ideal for reef tanks due to their occasional coral polyps consumption, many filefish are reef-safe and well-suited to peaceful community setups. They are best kept in well-established aquariums with high-quality water and a varied diet. Their unique appearance and behavior make them a beautiful addition to any marine aquarium.