Reeflings

Filefish

13 species

Filefish are a unique and interesting addition to the marine aquarium, belonging to the family Monacanthidae. They are known for their distinct body shape, resembling a rhomboid with a rough, sandpapery texture. Filefish are generally peaceful but can be shy, requiring plenty of hiding spaces within live rock. They are not considered reef safe as they may nip at soft corals and invertebrates. Diet-wise, they are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of meaty foods and algae. It's important to note that some species can grow quite large and may not be suitable for smaller tanks. Hobbyists should research individual species for compatibility and tank requirements.

  1. Aiptasia Eating Filefish - ( Acreichthys tomentosus )
    Common name: Bristle-tail Filefish
    Scientific name: Acreichthys tomentosus
  2. Aluterus scriptus, scrawled filefish
    Common name: scrawled filefish
    Scientific name: Aluterus scriptus
  3. Common name: Fringed Fiiefish
    Scientific name: Monacanthus ciliatus
  4. Red Sea long-nose file-fish, scientific name is Oxymonocathus halli. It is small (5-7 cm) marine fish, belonging to family Monacanthidae, inhabits coral reefs in the Red Sea, Middle East.
    Common name: Red Sea longnose filefish
    Scientific name: Oxymonacanthus halli
  5. Orange spotted filefish Oxymonacanthus longirostris
    Common name: Harlequin filefish
    Scientific name: Oxymonacanthus longirostris
  6. Detail of leatherjacket Meuschenia scaber showing eye and leathery skin.
    Common name: Yelloweye filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor alternans
  7. Common name: Orangetail filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor aspricaudus
  8. Common name: Ear-spot filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor janthinosoma
  9. Common name: Yellowtail Bristletooth
    Scientific name: Pervagor marginalis
  10. Blackheaded filefish, Pervagor melanocephalus, Sulawesi Indonesia.
    Common name: Redtail filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor melanocephalus
  11. Common name: Blacklined filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor nigrolineatus
  12. Flag tail Goby,Amblyeleotris yanoi, and Randall s Shrimp, Alpheus randalli Sulawesi, Indonesia
    Common name: Randall's Prawn Goby
    Scientific name: Pervagor randalli
  13. Fan-bellied Leatherjacket (Monacanthus chinensis)
    Common name: Fantail filefish
    Scientific name: Pervagor spilosoma