Fantail Filefish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands in the Central Pacific. Inhabits shallow seaward coral reefs and rocky shores rich in algae and sponges at depths of 1 to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the genus Pervagor. Features a deep, highly compressed body with a prominent, serrated dorsal spine. Grows to a maximum length of 12 cm (4.7 inches).

Social Behavior: Semi-aggressive. Highly territorial towards other filefish and shows significant conspecific aggression. Generally peaceful with other families.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Vibrant golden-yellow body covered in tiny black spots (spilosoma). Displays a bright, fan-shaped orange-red tail. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an established tank of at least 280 liters with plenty of live rock supporting natural algae growth and crevices for shelter. Moderate water flow is preferred.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Naturally feeds on small invertebrates, algae, sponges, and detritus. In captivity, feed frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, herbivore pellets, and nori. Feed twice daily.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters: temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: NOT reef-safe. Will nip at stony coral polyps, zoanthids, and sponges. Best suited for FOWLR aquariums. Do not keep with other Pervagor species.

Aquarium Breeding: Rare in captivity. Demersal spawners that lay adhesive eggs in a nest. Larvae are pelagic and hard to raise.

Risks and Diseases: Hardy species, but can contract skin parasites if bullied by highly active or aggressive tankmates.