April fish of the month/ Tassle Filefish

Subject: April fish of the month/ Tassle Filefish 3/31/2011, 10:04 am

The Tassle Filefish also known as the leafy filefish or Leatherjacket Filefish named after the tiny tassle-like protuberances over its entire body. They are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Adults like the shallower water living in depths no more than 30 meters. They are often found in lagoons or sea grass beds. They are omnivores and eat foods such as shrimp, squid, clams, other fish and marine algae. They are often found drifting head down against strands of seaweed in an effort to fool both predator and prey. The small mouth of the Tassle Filefish have incisor teeth, four on the inner jaw and six on the outer jaw Tassel filefish are not good swimmers, their small fins make the fish have a sluggish swimming movement. They spawn on bottom spots which are prepared and guarded by the male thought the female often helps. Tassle Filefish grow up to 12 inches so in an aquarium they will need at least 70 gallons minimum, though it is more suggested to keep them in 100 gallon tank. They are a peaceful fish and good with other tank mates that are not of the same species or related species. In the aquarium they need plenty of swimming space and live rock for hiding.