Tassled File Fish

(Chaetoderma pencilligera)

The Tassled or Leafy Filefish is a popular aquarium choice when it is available. Its rarity in aquarium stores commonds a high price. This unusual looking fish has many branchy protrustions that work as camouflage. It is found in Indo-Pacific waters among weedy rocks. In aquaria, this fish should be provided with at least one site for suitable shelter, such as a cave or stacked rocks, and possibly some macroalgae or artificial plant. This fish can attain a length over 31 cm (12 inches) so a minimum of 125 gallons is recommended for a tank size.

Although this fish does well with many different tank mates, it should not be kept with invertebrates. It naturally preys on a variety of invertebrates in the wild. The exception is the carpet anemone, which few fish species will bother. The Tassled Filefish should not be housed with aggressive, or fin-picking fish. Pufferfish and aggressive Triggerfish speices should be avoided as tank mate choices.

This species is shy when first added to the tank. This is especially so if other tank mates bother it. Likely the Tassled Filefish will seek out immediate refuge and spend a good deal of time there for the first few days after tank introduction.

Like other filefish, the Tassled Filefish should be fed a variety of vitamine enriched seafoods and algaes. These offerings should be fed in small amounts, three times a day.