Colored Filefish (Blackheaded Filefish)
The body is orange to red in color and the head can be gray to black. Filefish from Hawaii tend to have more vivid colors than those from the Indian Ocean.
It is a shy fish and rarely aggressive towards other fish except for those of its own genus. Best suited for aquariums 30 gallons or larger that do not contain invertebrates.
May be difficult to feed initially. It may be beneficial to embed shrimp into coral and allow the fish to feed off the coral. Diet should include shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. Feed no fewer than three times a day.
| Feeding | Shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill (soaked in vitamin supplement), frozen marine algae |
|---|---|
| Feeding Frequency | Three times a day |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Compatibility | Shy; avoid invertebrates; generally peaceful with other fish except those of its own genus |
FAQ
What is the typical coloration of the Colored Filefish?
The body is orange to red, with a gray to black head. Hawaii-born individuals tend to have more vivid colors than those from the Indian Ocean.
What tank size is recommended for this fish?
A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended.
How should I feed the Colored Filefish?
Feed a variety of foods including shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. Feed at least three times per day.
Olivia Carr –
The filefish has a beautiful color pattern and is quite calm in the tank. I had to adjust feeding slightly at first, but after adding shrimp to coral, it started eating regularly. Works well in a 40-gallon tank with other peaceful fish.
Lisa Berry –
It’s a striking fish with vibrant red and black markings. A bit shy at first, but settled into the tank after a few weeks. Feeding required some trial, but the diet suggestions worked well.
Theresa Powell –
Great addition to a reef-safe aquarium. The fish stays quiet and doesn’t bother other species. I feed it three times daily with a mix of shrimp and frozen algae, and it’s now a regular part of the tank.