Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Aiptasia Eating Filefish, also known as the Matted Filefish and Matted Leatherjacket, is native to Indonesia and often sought after for home aquaria as a natural control of nuisance glass anemones (Aiptasia sp.). A shy fish that is unlikely to be aggressive toward any tank-mates except those from in its genus, the Aiptasia filefish has a mottled body color in variations of brown and green. An adult Aiptasia filefish can reach a size of approximately 4″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Aiptasia filefish are omnivorous. A diet consisting of various frozen preparations such as brine shrimp, squid, and mysis shrimp will maintain optimal health. Frozen foods that include spirulina algae are also excellent to incorporate. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as filefish can become thin quicker due to their higher metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help to avoid this.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal. Filefish enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge; this is necessary to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. Given their peaceful nature, Aiptasia filefish should not be kept with overly boisterous or aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. While many hobbyists have great success keeping Aiptasia filefish in reef aquariums with no issue, they are to be added “with caution” as some individuals have been observed to nip at soft and stony corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Large: 2-3/4″ to 3-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.