Tassled Filefish (Asia Pacific)

Filefish are closely related to triggerfish and have a similar first dorsal fin which is typically kept flat against their back but can be cocked into an upright position and cannot be forced down. When threatened they swim into the smallest cave they can fit in and lock their fin up which makes them impossible to be dislodged by predators. This fin may also become tangled in nets. Filefish get their name from their rough sandpapery skin and flattened bodies.

Filefish are typically friendly with other fish except other filefish. They may nip on many types of invertebrates, corals and clam mantles but will not bother large stinging anemones. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. It should be fed at least three times a day plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, chopped krill and other high quality meaty items. They may be difficult to feed initially and do not typically take to dry foods. If food is stuffed into crevices within coral and rock they may be tempted to pick it out.

Bizarre and beautiful, the Tassled filefish makes a unique addition to the right aquarium. Its body is jade green to earthy olive with fine dark stripes along its body and small spots on its fins. Its entire body is covered in feathery appendages which help it camouflage with sea grasses. It is also known as the Prickly Leatherjacket. Males and females are identical. Fish that graze on the rockwork may mistake the Tassled filefish's body for algae and pick on them. It grows up to 12 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.