Common name: Ear-spot filefish

Scientific name: Pervagor janthinosoma (Bleeker, 1854)

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 tank 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
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Pufferfish
    Tetraodontiformes
  5. Family
    Filefish
    Monacanthidae
  6. Genus
    Spiny boxfish
    Pervagor
  7. Species
    Ear-spot filefish
    Pervagor janthinosoma (Bleeker, 1854)
  8. Synonyms
    Monacanthus janthinosoma Bleeker, 1854
    Monacanthus nitens Hollard, 1854
    Pervagor 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.