Mimic Saddle Puffer
(Paraluterus prionurus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 4″
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Fiji, Melanesia
Family: Balistidae
Reproduction: Egg Layer
Swim Level: Bottom

The Mimic Saddle Puffer is a filefish that has developed its body shape and coloration to mock the appearance of the Valentini Puffer. By copying these puffers, they appear to would be predators that they are an unpalatable meal. They are an interesting looking fish with dark brown bands across the midsection, brownish-orange spotting on the lower half, yellow fins, and blue striping running along the back. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium. You can tell the difference between these filefish and the puffer in that they mimic by the dorsal spine. The filefish has two dorsal spines, whereas, the puffer has only one.

It is rarely aggressive toward other fish except those of its own genus, and is best suited for a 30 gallon or larger aquarium that does not have invertebrates.

The diet should include a variety of shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. It should be fed no fewer than three times per day.

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Jade Filefish
(Paramonacanthus japonicus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 4½”
Color Form: Green, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Monacanthidae

The Jade Filefish is also known as the Hairfinned Leatherjacket. The body is a mottled green, brown, and tan coloration.

It is a shy fish, and rarely aggressive towards other fish except those of its own genus. It is best suited for aquariums 30 gallons or larger that do not contain invertebrates.

The Jade Filefish may be difficult to feed initially; it may be beneficial to embed shrimp into coral, and allow the fish to feed off of the coral. The diet should include shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. The Jade Filefish should be fed no fewer than three times a day.

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Fantail Orange Filefish
(Pervagor spilosoma)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Black, Orange, Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Monacanthidae

The Fantail Orange Filefish, also known as the Hawaiian Filefish, Fantail Filefish, or Fantail Orange Filefish Hawaii, is brown and silver with an orange, black, and yellow tail fin.

It is rarely aggressive toward other fish except those of its own genus, and is best suited for a 50 gallon or larger aquarium that does not have invertebrates.

The diet should include a variety of shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. It should be fed no fewer than three times per day.

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Tassle Filefish
(Chaetodermis pencilligerus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 1′
Color Form: Green
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Monacanthidae

The Tassle Filefish, also known as the Leafy Filefish or Prickly Leatherjacket Filefish, is camouflaged by its light body with dark horizontal stripes.

It is best suited for a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with weedy areas, rocks, and at least one suitable shelter. It is a peaceful fish that does not bother fish tank mates, with the exception of members of its own family or related kinds.

The Tassle Filefish feeds on a diet of meaty foods including chopped shrimp, squid, clams, fish, and frozen algae and vitamin enriched foods. It should be fed no fewer than three times per day.

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Clown Filefish
(Cantherhines dumerili)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 1′ 1″
Color Form: Blue, Purple, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Monacanthidae
Swim Level: Middle

The Clown Filefish, also known as the Vagabond Filefish or Whitespotted Filefish, originates from the reefs of South America. A rare find in the industry, they are pale blue to purple in color and the entire body is adorned with white spots. These fish are a great addition for the saltwater fish only aquarium.

The Clown Filefish is rarely aggressive toward other fish except those of its own genus, and is best suited for a 100-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock and no invertebrates. These filefish eat branching SPS corals, algae, sponges, sea urchins and mollusks in the wild. They are not suitable for a reef aquarium, but make a great addition to a fish only aquarium.

The diet should include a variety of shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. It should be fed no fewer than three times per day.

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