Page 250 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

248 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

FILEFISH

Closely related to the triggerfish, filefish are not so
boisterous in aquarium surroundings as their cousins,
nor as destructive. Most species are smaller than
triggers, but they share with them the split
configuration of the dorsal fin (the first part
forms a spine used to anchor the fish in a cave).
The ventral fin on the underside of the body is
similarly modified, providing additional support.
Filefish have small mouths, with teeth designed for
nibbling at foods such as algae. They must not be
housed in a reef tank, because they naturally feed on
coral polyps. Although usually tolerant of their own
kind, some filefish may occasionally harry other fish.
A large dorsal spine, clearly visible on this Plainhead Filefish
(Stephanolepis hispidus), is a characteristic feature of this group.

Monacanthus chinensis Monacanthus tuckeri Cantherhines macrocerus
Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket Slender Filefish White-Spotted Filefish

ORIGINS The Pacific region, north to southern Japan, ORIGINS The Caribbean region, extending from Florida ORIGINS The Atlantic, from the eastern U.S. and down
and south via Malaysia to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. down to the coast of Venezuela. through the Caribbean to northern South America.
SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). SIZE 18 in (46 cm).
1
DIET Omnivorous, but prefers algae and meat-based foods. DIET Fresh and thawed meat-based foods, plus algae. DIET Algae and meat-based foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.4) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.1–8.4) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.1–8.4) with SG 1.020–1.025.
TEMPERAMENT Not normally aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Placid. TEMPERAMENT Not normally aggressive.
The blotched coloration of this species may vary It is the juveniles of this species that most strongly
between individuals. It is also affected by the fish’s Rounded display the characteristic patterning of white
surroundings—the Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket can caudal fin spots on a dark background. Orange coloration
alter its appearance to some extent to blend in is apparent, too, typically toward the rear of the
with the background. Since it is not a strong body. Breeding has yet to be accomplished in
swimmer, its survival relies more on avoiding aquariums. In the wild, filefish lay green eggs,
detection rather than fleeing from predators. which sink to the bottom. The fry develop in the
upper layer of the water, feeding on plankton.

A narrow, rather elongated body sets
the Slender Filefish apart from related
species. It displays variable coloration, depending
partly on its environment, although the body
patterning is often blotchy. These filefish will
not only browse on marine algae in the aquarium
but also feed quite readily on prepared diets
featuring invertebrates, such as cockles and
crustaceans, especially once they are established. Juvenile

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