Filefish info

[Absint Reefer]

Can someone please tell me the temperment and what would be good tankmates filefish for a 55gl and also tankmates that would work with the filefish
Thanks,
Carson

[Reefcherie]

The term "filefish" covers a fairly large array of possible species of fish (95 species). Do you have a particular one or two in mind?

For a tank that size, the Mimic/Saddled (Paraluteres prionurus) might be a good choice - reasonably easy to feed, small size and said to be hardy. I read that this one should be kept w/ docile fishes. I notice that caution w/ a few of the filefishes.

[VolitanLioness]

What kind of filefish? These are considered cousins to the trigger, they can have a mild temper unless provoked, when provoked they can turn on a fish.

My tasseled is boss of my Pinktail, my Pinktail will back right down when the file wants to challenge it. If you look at the Tasseled than you can not have any nippy fish in with it. If you look at the smaller filefish which would be best in your 55g, they can be kept with most smaller fish.

I have kept filefish with chromis, clowns and so on yet it never harassed another fish unless challenged..... Hope this helps

Kaye

[I like Triggers]

not to hijack... but in a 280g tank... with a clown trigger and humu, what would be a good filefish (if any) to add?

[VolitanLioness]

I like Triggers - I probably would not try a filefish with this mix....

kaye

[Absint Reefer]

I like the tasseled I'm pretty sure they get around 10-12'' inches which is no problem I have many other tanks I could put him in when it grows. Would a small tasseled be ok in a 55gl with a clown and a couple different types of butterflies.
Thanks

[VolitanLioness]

They do get large, just think of a saucer or dinner plate when full grown. They are how ever slow growers, mine has grown about 1 inch per year or so. It should be fine in your 55g but you have to watch the butterflies to make sure they do not pick at the file.

Kaye

[Absint Reefer]

alright thanks a lot

[Petstorejunkie]

definately watch out for the butterflies and those tassles! but otherwise they are a REALLY cool fish

[Absint Reefer]

How about an orange tail filefish?

[VolitanLioness]

Not sure about the orange tail File, do you have another name for it? I know there is a red tail that is good in captivity, it gets about 5-6 inches....... There are 2 that are called orange & one called orange spot.....lol


Kaye

[Absint Reefer]

I'm pretty sure it's this one
http://www.qualitymarineusa.com/fish/photo/filefish/2406.JPG

[VolitanLioness]

That is the one I know as the red-tail, it's a good filefish in captivity, gets 5-6 inches, it would fit nice in your tank. Just don't mix filefish, they normally do not do well in the same tank, they can fight to the death.....

Kaye

[LisaD]

A better one, IMO, is the fantail filefish, Pervagor spilosoma. I think it's more outgoing, stays small ~4-6 inches. I like the looks better too, and it has a thicker, healthier looking body.

fantail filefish (http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/stender/fishes/filefishes/spilo3.jpg)

[Absint Reefer]

what's the availability of the fantail?

[LisaD]

I got mine at a LFS, but I have seen them online at liveaquaria and I think at marinedepotlive. They are a Hawaiian fish, so if you have a wholesaler that your petstore buys from that does Hawaiian, you should be able to get one. They are not usually expensive, they retail $20-40.

[Petstorejunkie]

i have never seen a fantial before they look cool. i would agree that if they are more outgoing than the orange tail, they would be a great choice. all the orangetails i hae encountered have bee gorgeous but extremely shy.