Orangespotted Filefish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Atlantic, ranging from Massachusetts (USA) and Bermuda down to southeastern Brazil. Inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky slopes at depths of 2 to 20 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Monacanthidae. Features a highly compressed, oval body covered with small, prickle-like scales. Grows up to 20 cm. Eretile dorsal spine.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, slow-moving, and reclusive. Tends to stay close to the rockwork. Non-aggressive toward other tankmates but can fight with other filefish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is olive-brown to dark green with light horizontal lines and small, bright orange spots. Has a distinctive white patch on the tail base. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank size of at least 250 liters with established live rock for constant grazing and hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore. In the wild, feeds on algae, sponges, gorgonians, and small invertebrates. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped clams, sponge-based foods, and nori. Feed 3 times daily.

Water Quality: High water quality and stability. Maintain temperature at 22-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Avoid housing with aggressive fish that might bully it. May nip at small polyp stony (SPS) and large polyp stony (LPS) corals.

Aquarium Breeding: Cave or substrate egg-depositor. Not successfully bred in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Can be a picky feeder initially. Provide a secure screen top to prevent jumping.