Dusky-Capped Tilefish (Hoplolatilus cuniculus)
Fish in the family Malacanthidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Hoplolatilus cuniculus is a small tilefish with a dusky or dark cap on the head and upper body, contrasting with a lighter colored lower body and belly. The fish has a slightly elongated body shape typical of tilefishes, with a blunt snout and small mouth adapted for feeding on small organisms in the sand and rubble.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, small amphipods, and high-quality prepared diets designed for tilefish. Dusky-capped tilefishes are microcarnivores that naturally feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans sifted from the substrate.
Difficulty and care for the Dusky-Capped Tilefish
Moderate difficulty. Dusky-capped tilefishes require stable water conditions, appropriate feeding of small meaty foods, and careful acclimation. They are sensitive to aggression from other fish and benefit from a tank with abundant sand and rubble for natural burrowing behavior.
Common health issues
Starvation if inadequate small-particle foods provided, parasites, stress-related illness from aggressive tankmates, poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and surrounding areas. Found at moderate depths on coral reef slopes and drop-offs.
Log Dusky-Capped Tilefish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Dusky-Capped Tilefish alongside everything else in your reef.
