Common name: Ear-spot filefish
General information
The Yellowtail Filefish, scientifically known as Pervagor janthinosoma, is a unique and fascinating species that adds both color and intrigue to a marine aquarium. This species is known for its ability to mimic the appearance and behavior of the toxic Valentini puffer, both as a juvenile and as an adult, which helps it to deter predators.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet, incl. algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyFilefishMonacanthidae
- GenusSpiny boxfishPervagor
- SpeciesEar-spot filefishPervagor janthinosoma (Bleeker, 1854)
- SynonymsMonacanthus janthinosoma Bleeker, 1854Monacanthus nitens Hollard, 1854Pervagor janthinasoma (Bleeker, 1854)Pervagor scanleni Smith, 1957
Care
Caring for a Yellowtail Filefish requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind. It's important to provide a varied diet that includes marine algae, frozen and dried foods to maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Pervagor janthinosoma in the wild or in captivity. However, like many marine fish, they are likely to have a pelagic larval stage.
Habitat
Pervagor janthinosoma is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They are typically associated with coral reefs and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters.