Leafy Filefish - Large

The Leafy Filefish has a camouflage colouring of dark broken horizontal stripes, over a paler body. They are covered in numerous “tassels”, hence one of its’ names being Tasselled Filefish. This camouflage allows them to blend in with the algae around the reef in their natural habitat. They have a life expectancy of 4-6 years

It is also referred to as a Feathery Filefish, Prickly Filefish, Prickly Leatherjacket Filefish, or Tasselled Filefish. It generally has a peaceful temperament, only bothering members of its’ own family or similar species. Originally found in the Indo- Pacific Region, their distribution reaches from Australia, up to Japan.

They are an active species and spend a lot of time swimming around the tank.

They are commonly found in shallow waters, often residing in weedy or seagrass patches of reefs, lagoons, and trawling areas. They can grow to 30 centimetres (12 in) in length

The Leafy Filefish is a hardy species and easy to look after. They should be housed with other peaceful tankmates in a FOWLR setting.

Leafy Filefish are egg scatterers, they reproduce by spawning in pairs at sites at the bottom. The male usually prepares these sites and also guards it. As the youngsters are developing, the male and female will both guard them. Juvenile filefish are pelagic, which means they spend most of their time in open water.

Tank Recommendations for Leafy Filefish

Leafy Filefish require a tank size of 180 gallons. A suitable aquarium should have plenty of swimming space, some weedy areas, live rock for grazing, and places for sheltering.

While Leafy Filefish do not usually attack coral, they will eat small invertebrates such as anemones. As a result, they are not categorised as reef safe, so the most suitable environment is a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquarium.

Water conditions 22.2-25.5° C (72-78° F), dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Leafy Filefish have a peaceful temperament and can co-habit easily with other peaceful species. However, there can be issues if they are housed with family members or similar species.

Larger more aggressive fish should be avoided as well as live corals and invertebrates which may get eaten.

Usually Compatible

Leafy Filefish can co-habit peacefully with other fish that aren’t conspecific and do not have a similar appearance. Suitable fish include Dwarf Angels, Frogs/Anglers, Anthias, Batfish, Blennies, Chromis, Clownfish, Damsels, Foxface/Rabbits, Parrotfish and Tangs/Surgeons,

Sometime Compatible

It is possible to put 2 different species of Filefish in the same tank, but the tank needs to be large enough. The specific tank size will depend on the Filefish that are being housed together. Use caution when housing with Damsels, Dragonets, Lions/Scorpions, Pseudochromis, Wrasse and Live Corals.

Rarely Compatible

Housing two Filefish of the same species, and especially the same sex, can lead to aggression. Larger aggressive fish such as Triggers, Puffers, and Large Angels will harass the Filefish, nip at its’ tassels, and eat it’s food. Invertebrates will provide a nice meal for Leafy Filefish. Also avoid housing with Eels, Groupers, Seahorses/Pipefish or Sharks/Rays

Introducing a Leafy Filefish to your aquarium will give the tank a unique looking inhabitant who is active in the water and enjoys exploring and searching for food.

Feeding Your Leafy Filefish

Leafy Filefish are omnivores. As well as consuming marine algae, they use their camouflage colouring to hide in weedy areas and hunt for invertebrates, such as shrimp and small fish. In a tank environment it is recommended to feed them a mixture of marine algae and meaty food which is fresh, freeze dried or frozen. This includes squid, krill, crab meat, clam, mysis shrimp, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp. Live rock for grazing is also an important addition. Filefish consume a lot of food and should be fed 3 times per day.