Care
The curious-looking TasselledFilefish is known from the weedy areas of coastal reefs, to a depth of 25m(82ft). Here it is well camouflaged from predators, the tasselly dermal appendageshelping the fish to blend in with its weedy surroundings. This fish is alsoknown as the Prickly Leatherjacket in relation to the unusual scale morphology;setae (small spines) giving the skin of the fish a particularly rough texture.Filefish skin can be so abrasive that it is used as sandpaper in some regions. TheTasselled Filefish is a fairly large sized species when adult, so it is bestsuited to spacious aquaria with weedy areas amongst live rockwork. This is afast growing fish and it should be provided with large quarters from the outsetto avoid stunting and associated health problems. As Tasselled Filefish areopportunistic feeders that eat a variety of invertebrate life, they are toorisky to add to a reef aquarium, and instead are best suited to a fish only setup with plenty of live rock; the provision of a choice of several suitable,dark shelters is very important to the continued wellbeing of this species. Thisis a peaceful fish that is often very shy when first added to an aquarium andso should not be housed with any belligerent species. It should not bother anytankmates, with the exception of its own kind or closely related species. Avoidany fish which are likely to nip off the tasselly skin flaps, e.g. largeangelfish, pufferfishes and triggerfishes. When handling Tasselled Filefish,always gently herd them into a suitably sized plastic container, to avoid entanglingthe prickly setae in the mesh of nets, as this could result in unnecessarytrauma. Ensure high water quality and a good level of oxygenation at all timesthrough decent filtration and maintenance regimes, but ensure that currents arenot too vigorous for these fish which are not the most agile of swimmers.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet foromnivores. Meaty items should include krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp,finely chopped cockle/ mussel/ prawns/ squid/ fish/clam meat etc., andherbivore rations such Nori, marine algae, vegetable matter etc. Feed smallamounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bredin the home aquarium.
