Orange Spotted Filefish (Oxymonacanthus longirostris)

Max Size: 5 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution. May eat coral.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The Orangespotted Filefish is a stunning fish that is often purchased solely for its appearance, without considering the long-term care it requires. In the wild, it is an obligate corallivore, meaning it feeds exclusively on live coral. However, it has been shown that the Orangespotted Filefish can adapt and thrive on a captive diet that does not include live coral flesh. Transitioning a wild-caught fish onto this captive diet can be a challenging task, even for experienced aquarists. To assist with this process, Blue Zoo Aquatics offers the Orangespotted Filefish Starter Pack, which includes one Orangespotted Filefish and one live, browned-out Acropora frag. Additionally, the potential buyer will receive a screening call from Blue Zoo's husbandry staff to ensure they are prepared to provide the best possible care for this remarkable marine aquarium fish. Those interested in this fish are advised to read Matt Pedersen's article "A New Future for the Harlequin Filefish" in the March/April 2009 issue of CORAL Magazine for valuable insights.

The diet of the Orangespotted Filefish can be weaned onto a captive diet consisting of frozen foods suitable for omnivores, such as frozen enriched adult brine shrimp, frozen Mysis shrimp, and flake or pellet food. It is crucial to take into account what Matt Pedersen mentioned in his groundbreaking article about Orangespotted Filefish: "Live coral is your insurance policy and safety net... You must continue to offer live coral until the fish no longer needs it." For a comprehensive guide on successfully transitioning this fish to a captive diet, refer to his article.