Common name: Fantail filefish
General information
The Leopard Filefish, Pervagor spilosoma, is a unique and intriguing species known for its distinctive spotted pattern and ability to change color to blend with its surroundings. This adaptability makes it a fascinating addition to any marine aquarium. It's a member of the Monacanthidae family, which is characterized by a single dorsal spine.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & peaceful tankmates
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow-moving fish/inverts
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyFilefishMonacanthidae
- GenusSpiny boxfishPervagor
- SpeciesFantail filefishPervagor spilosoma (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
- SynonymsMonacanthus spilosoma Lay & Bennett, 1839Stephanolepis pricei Snyder, 1904Stephanolepis spilosomus (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Care
Leopard Filefish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They can be shy and are best kept in a peaceful community. These fish are known to nip at soft corals and some invertebrates, so they are not the best choice for a reef tank with a variety of corals. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and marine-based plant matter will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Leopard Filefish are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding spaces can encourage reproductive behavior.
Habitat
Pervagor spilosoma is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Central Pacific. They prefer shallow, coral-rich areas and lagoons, often hiding among branches of Acropora corals during the day.