Aiptasia Eating Filefish
Acreichthys tomentosus
The Aiptasia Eating Filefish, also known as the Matted Filefish or Bristletail Filefish, is an unusual marine species with a mottled pattern of olive green, brown and tan. Its textured body and remarkable ability to adjust its colouration allow it to blend almost seamlessly into surrounding rockwork and marine vegetation.
Unlike fast-moving reef fish, this species moves slowly and deliberately, exploring the aquarium and picking at surfaces in search of food. Its greatest appeal to many marine aquarists is its natural tendency to consume Aiptasia — the nuisance anemones that can spread rapidly through reef aquariums.
Generally peaceful towards other fish, the Aiptasia Eating Filefish is best suited to established marine aquariums with sheltered rockwork and calm tankmates. Caution is essential in reef systems, as certain individuals may nip at coral polyps, fleshy LPS corals, zoanthids and ornamental invertebrates.
With its distinctive appearance, curious behaviour and potential for natural pest control, this filefish can be a rewarding addition to a carefully selected marine aquarium.
Feeding Notes
The Aiptasia Eating Filefish is an omnivore with a strong preference for small meaty foods. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood and suitable marine pellets, supplemented with occasional algae-based foods.
Feed small portions at least twice daily, ensuring this relatively slow-moving fish receives sufficient food when housed with more active species.
Although it may naturally consume Aiptasia anemones, these should never be considered its sole food source. Regular feeding remains essential even after an Aiptasia infestation has been controlled.
Aquarium Setup Notes
Provide a mature, stable marine aquarium of at least 150 litres, with plenty of established rockwork, sheltered crevices and open areas for gentle swimming and foraging.
The Aiptasia Eating Filefish is a relatively weak swimmer and prefers low to moderate water movement, with sheltered areas away from strong, direct currents. Ensure wavemakers and overflow intakes are appropriately guarded.
An established aquarium with natural grazing surfaces is particularly beneficial. Its ability to change colour and blend into the surroundings is most noticeable among rockwork, algae and other natural structures.
Compatibility Notes
Generally peaceful towards other fish, the Aiptasia Eating Filefish is best kept with similarly calm species such as clownfish, gobies, blennies and cardinalfish. Avoid aggressive or excessively competitive tankmates that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding.
Usually best maintained singly, as individuals may become territorial towards their own species. Compatible pairs are possible in suitably spacious aquariums.
Reef safe with caution: Although valued for consuming nuisance Aiptasia anemones, this species is not reliably coral-safe. Some individuals may nip zoanthids, soft corals, fleshy LPS corals, SPS polyps, clam mantles and small ornamental invertebrates.
Behaviour varies considerably between specimens. Monitor carefully after introduction and be prepared to relocate the fish if it begins damaging desirable livestock. Feeding it regularly does not guarantee that coral nipping will be prevented.