Hoplolatilus starcki

Datasheet

General Description

Stark's tilefish, also known as Starck's tilefish, is a member of the Malacanthidae family. This species, Hoplolatilus starcki, is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Bali and the Philippines to Timor, extending north to the Mariana Islands and south to Rowley Shoals and New Caledonia. They can also be found throughout Micronesia and even as far as Pitcairn.

Aquarium Suitability

Stark's tilefish are delicate and can be challenging to keep, requiring a high level of care and preparation. Experienced aquarists are best suited for this species, as they are sensitive to stress and water quality. They prefer a tank with a minimum size of 400 liters and should ideally be kept in groups of at least three to feel secure. Due to their shy and docile nature, they should not be housed with aggressive fish.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Stark's tilefish are delicate creatures that demand high water quality and oxygenation. They are susceptible to Marine Ich when stressed or in poor water conditions. Therefore, they require careful acclimatization and handling to thrive in captivity. These fish are very shy and peaceful, so they do best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat, including ample hiding spaces, subdued lighting, and a peaceful tank community.

Reef Suitability

Stark's tilefish are considered reef-safe, but they may occasionally target small shrimps and LPS corals. In general, they do well in coral aquariums, as long as there are no aggressive tankmates that may stress them out.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Stark's tilefish, it is crucial to provide a sandy substrate with coral pieces and shells that allow them to burrow. Additionally, creating rock formations with secure hiding spots will help them feel safe and secure. Dim lighting is preferred initially to mimic their natural environment, with a gradual increase in brightness over time.

Behaviour

These tilefish are known to be sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, so extra care is needed during these processes. They are active swimmers and require plenty of space to move around freely in the tank. Stark's tilefish may jump out of open aquariums, so a secure lid is essential to prevent escapes.

Feeding and Diet

Stark's tilefish have a diet that mainly consists of small crustaceans like krill and mysis, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. They may initially require live food to adapt to tank feeding but can transition to frozen foods over time. Regular feeding multiple times a day is recommended, especially for newly introduced individuals.

Dimorphism

There is no information provided on dimorphism or captive reproduction for Stark's tilefish.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, these tilefish are found in sandy areas with coral gravel and rock formations in the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific. They prefer habitats with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming spaces to exhibit their natural behaviors.