Scientific Name: Chaetodermis pencilligerus
Ease of Care: Moderate
Approximate Arrival Size: >Small: 1-2"; Medium: 2.5-3.5"; Large: 4-5"; Xlarge: 5.25-6"
Native Region: Japan, Indo-Pacific
Reef Safe: No
Tassle Filefish, Chaetodermis pencilligerus, is a hardy curiosity of a fish that does well in aquariums. Also known as the Leafy Filefish, its frilly appearance helps it hide in rocky overhangs or in aquatic weeded areas. Considered a delicacy in its native Japan, this Indo-Pacific native is peaceful to other aquarium inhabitants, but may be bullied or nipped at by more assertive fish such Puffers or Triggers. Some Filefish may be aggressive toward others of its kind or fish of a similar appearance (as unlikely as that may be that a fish would have a similar appearance!) Because they tend to school in the wild, groupings of smaller specimens introduced simultaneously may do well. As omnivores, Filefish readily adapt to a diet of frozen or live shrimp such as Brine or Mysis and a variety of other food such as Spirulina and seaweed sheets.Frequent feedings, multiple times daily, will help to ensure best health.