You want to know more about the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish? Well, you are in the perfect place! We'll go over the general care requirements, uses for this fish, and help you determine if this is the right fish for you.
The Aiptasia-Eating Filefish, also known as the Bristletail Filefish, originates from Indonesia and other areas in the Pacific. This fish can grow to around 3 inches. It is usually either gray or green with light and dark splotches. The pattern and color tends to change depending on the environment and mood of the fish. This makes its oddly shaped body even more intriguing.
It will need an aquarium of 30 gallons or larger. Although it is best known for eating aiptasia, this fish will also eat other meaty foods such as frozen mysis or frozen brine shrimp. You can also feed it live brine shrimp, which will be a treat for the whole aquarium.
The Aiptasia-Eating Filefish will prove to be a peaceful member of your tank, as long as there are not other filefish. When it comes to choosing tank mates, avoid large, aggressive fish that may pick on the filefish.
Unfortunately, filefish are known to nip at corals. Aiptasia-Eating Filefish are one of the least prone to doing this, though it is possible. There is a chance you may get a specimen that is crazy for corals, but another specimen might pretend corals don't exist. It is just something to be mindful of.
As for water parameters, the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish does not have any needs that are out of the ordinary. As long as your aquarium is within the general range of acceptable water parameters (~78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025) and stable, you should not have any issues.
The Aiptasia-Eating Filefish (and all other fish) sold by AlgaeBarn are captive-bred, making them hardier and more resilient to disease. Captive-bred fish in general are better adapted to aquarium life. Not only do they help you, but they help the ocean as well. By purchasing captive-bred fish, you are helping discourage the harmful wild-caught trade while supporting the captive-bred industry. This makes our beloved hobby more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Uses for the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish
The uses for this fish is certainly not a big mystery. As the name makes clear, this filefish species eats aiptasia.
Before we talk about the fish specifically, let's go over why aiptasia is a bad thing and what it is. Aiptasia is a type of anemone. If you have a reef aquarium specifically, aiptasia is bad because it can sting and kill corals. For all aquariums, aiptasia is bad because it is ugly looking and it spreads fast. It is usually not something you want in your tank. How does it get into an aquarium? Well, it usually hitchhikes its way in on a piece of rock or coral from another system. Even if you are very careful with what you put in your tank, you may still find aiptasia on your rocks.
There are several way to remove aiptasia. Like most things in this hobby, there are several ways to reach the same results. Most methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no defined way to do things, but you can decide what is best for your aquarium.
The Aiptasia-Eating Filefish is one way to get rid of aiptasia. When first added to an aquarium, this fish usually will not eat aiptasia right away. It may take a few days or even weeks. However, once it feels comfortable in your aquarium, it will annihilate aiptasia. It is important to note there is a small chance that a specimen may never take a liking to aiptasia. While this is a possibility, it is extremely rare.
Is the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish the right fish for you?
First, if you have an aiptasia problem in your aquarium, then this fish is already a somewhat sensible choice. If you have a reef aquarium with expensive corals or corals that you just don't want to risk getting harmed, the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish may not be the best solution. If you don't mind your corals possibly getting nipped, then this fish is probably a good choice. Remember, this coral nipping tendency is not a definite thing. You just need to determine if its worth the risk, even if it is a small risk.
Another thing you need to determine is if you actually want this fish in your aquarium. It has an interesting body shape and swim pattern. Its color changing ability is also quite intriguing. However, if you don't like the look of this fish and only want to get it for a quick solution to your aiptasia problem, you may want to consider a different option. If you get this fish, it will probably become a long term member of your aquarium. Another option to deal with aiptasia is Peppermint Shrimp if you don't want to add another fish to your aquarium.
For a lot of hobbyists, the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish is a great solution to an aiptasia problem, and it is an interesting addition to an aquarium.