Common name: Quakerfish
General information
The Blueline Tilefish, scientifically known as Malacanthus brevirostris, is a strikingly colored marine fish that adds both beauty and personality to a saltwater aquarium. It is characterized by its bright blue lines that run along the head and length of its body, contrasting against a yellowish background. This species is also known as the Horsehead Tilefish due to the shape of its head.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 70 cm (2′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers complex rockwork
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyTilefishMalacanthidae
- GenusTilefishMalacanthus
- SpeciesQuakerfishMalacanthus brevirostris Guichenot, 1848
- SynonymsDikellorhynchus incredibilis Smith, 1956Malacanthus hoedtii Bleeker, 1859Malacanthus parvipinnis Vaillant & Sauvage, 1875
Care
Blueline Tilefish are moderately easy to care for but do require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to provide hiding places. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind or similar looking species. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blueline Tilefish form monogamous pairs and spawn in burrows or crevices. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of space may encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
This species is found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Bermuda and south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They inhabit sandy or rubble substrates near reefs, typically at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters.