Tasseled Filefish Reef Safe?
 

Does anyone have experience with Chaetodermis penicilligerus (Tasseled Filefish aka Prickly Leatherjacket aka Leafy Filefish). I have heard they are great for Aiptasia control but I'm wondering if they'll leave other inverts alone.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary...penicilligerus

Thanx much,

Most filefish aren't. Not sure about the tassled one though. Those guys are pretty funky, but I bet it isn't reef safe.

I did it before. It's kinda hit and miss.

So you kept one before?
Might I coax you to expand on your knowledge?
How did it go?
Did yours "behave", leaving desirable inverts alone?

Thanx much,

I've kept one.

For the most part, mine was pretty docile. It took some time before it started swimming to the front of the tank to greet you. I keep 2 cleaner shrimps and he leaves them alone; doesn't touch my corals much either. As for feeding, mine took on a diet of mysis shrimp.

Make sure you cover up powerheads though. Since they're slow swimmers, mine had an unfortunate accident with a SEIO.

Thanx for the reply.
Anyone else?

Cheers,

seio got mine also,stupid jerk thought it would be a good idea to sleep beside it, as far as behaviour i never had any trouble with tankmates or corals

From peteducation.com

"The Tasseled Filefish, also known as the Leafy Filefish or Prickly Leatherjacket Filefish, is camouflaged by its light body with dark horizontal stripes.

It is best suited for a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with weedy areas, rocks, and at least one suitable shelter. It is a peaceful fish that does not bother fish tank mates, with the exception of members of its own family or related kinds.

The Tasseled Filefish feeds on a diet of meaty foods including chopped shrimp, squid, clams, fish, frozen algae, and vitamin-enriched foods. It should be fed no fewer than three times per day."

http://www.peteducation.com/article....articleid=1827

The question doesnt seem to be if the filefish is reef-safe, it's if your tank is filefish-safe.

Mine was fine with corals, shrimp.. He just jumped out of the tank while I was at work.:cry: