Common name: Yelloweye filefish

General information

The Spotted Filefish, scientifically known as Pervagor alternans, is a unique and interesting species for marine aquarists. This species is known for its distinctive body shape, with a laterally compressed body and a rough, sandpapery texture, which is where the name 'filefish' originates. The Spotted Filefish exhibits a mottled pattern of spots and bars that can vary in color, typically ranging from greenish to brownish hues, with a prominent black bar running through the eye.

Care

Caring for Spotted Filefish requires attention to detail, as they can be sensitive to water quality changes. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. It's important to maintain stable water parameters and provide a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and marine algae. They are not considered reef-safe, as they may nip at soft corals and some invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted Filefish are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are often attached to substrates or hidden within the reef structure. In the aquarium setting, breeding Spotted Filefish can be challenging, and successful captive breeding is relatively rare.

Habitat

Pervagor alternans is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically associated with coral reefs, often seen in lagoons and outer reef slopes. They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.