Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus)
Fish in the family Malacanthidae. Expert care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Purple Tilefish displays a striking violet-purple coloration on its head and body, with distinctive orange-red coloring on the gill plates and edges of fins. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a characteristic upturned mouth adapted for picking food from the substrate.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including finely chopped preparations of shrimp, fish, and zooplankton. Offer mysis shrimp and small pieces of frozen seafood 2-3 times daily. These fish are micropredators and require frequent small meals rather than large feedings.
Difficulty and care for the Purple Tilefish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Fungal infections
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, including the Philippine Islands, Indonesia, and other western Pacific coral reef areas.
Log Purple 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 Purple Tilefish alongside everything else in your reef.
