Tasseled Filefish (Monacanthus chinensis)
Fish in the family Monacanthidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small, elongated filefish with tan to brown coloration and variable patterning. Distinctive tasseled or filament-like dorsal spine and occasional branched appendages on the head give the species its common name. Body is compressed laterally with a rough, sandpaper-like skin texture.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods including mysis shrimp, small crustaceans, and finely chopped meaty items 2-3 times daily. Supplement with small amounts of vegetable matter or prepared omnivore pellets. They are naturally grazing feeders and will pick at algae and small organisms in the tank.
Difficulty and care for the Tasseled Filefish
Moderate - Distinctive filefish species. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region including East Africa, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific to Japan and Australia.
Keeper notes
Distinctive filefish species with tasseled appendages. May nip at corals. Peaceful but may eat small invertebrates.
Log Tasseled Filefish 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 Tasseled Filefish alongside everything else in your reef.
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