Aiptasia Eating Filefish (Acreichthys Tomentosus)

Size: only S,M

Species Name : Acreichthys Tomentosus

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful 

Color : Green, Tan 

Diet : Omnivore 

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3½»

Origin : Indo Pacific, Indian Ocean

Family : Monacanthidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Aiptasia Eating Filefish (Acreichthys Tomentosus) is also known as the Bristletail Filefish, Matted Leatherjacket, Tomentosus Filefish, or Matted Filefish.

Their skin is rough, and textured, with a mottled olive-drab coloration that is used for camouflage and actually looks a bit like they were painted for military duty. They reach a maximum size of 3.5 to 4 inches and are peaceful with other fish.  Males possess a distinct patch of bristles at the base of the tail, making sex determination quite easy.Aiptasia eating filefish are mainly solitary by habit. Their unique personality, combined with their extreme hardiness, makes them an ideal aquarium fish—with or without the beneficial habit of devouring pest species.

It is best suited for aquariums 30 gallons or larger that does not contain small invertebrates. Provide rock and décor for hiding places and plenty of room for movement. This species is naturally a poor swimmer, so ensure their safety by covering wavemakers/overflows and make sure the flow isn't too fast for them.

It is a shy fish, and rarely aggressive towards other fish except those of its own genus. They are non-aggressive and will get along with most other non-aggressive or non-predatory aquarium fishes. While they have a generally good record of being reef-safe, care should be exercised when adding these fish to a reef aquarium. 

Most Aiptasia-Eating Filefish readily consume nuisance Aiptasia, making them a fascinating and beneficial addition to the home aquarium. Fortunately, they are not specialized feeders and Aiptasia anemones are not their sole food source. They will eagerly consume just about any common aquarium fish food. The diet should include shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. The Matted Filefish should be fed small quantities of food several times per day.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2»; Medium: 2" to 2-3/4»; Large: 2-3/4" to 3-1/2"