Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Orangetail Filefish, also known as the Blackheaded Filefish, Redtail Filefish, or Orangebodied Filefish, is native to the Indo-Pacific. A shy fish that is unlikely to be aggressive toward any tank-mates except those from in its genus or other filefish, the Orangetail filefish has considerable variation among individuals in the amount of orange it can have. Overall, the face is a darker color and this can extend the length of the body with an orange to red tail, or the length of the body can be more orange in addition to the tail. An adult Orangetail filefish can reach a size of approximately 6″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Orangetail 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 55 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, Orangetail filefish should not be kept with overly boisterous or aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. Orangetail filefish are not considered reef safe because they have been observed to nip at sessile invertebrates, including 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″ to 2″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-3/4″ to 5″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
