Acreichthys tomentosus

Datasheet

General Description
The Bristle-tail file-fish, also known as the Seagrass filefish, belongs to the Monacanthidae family. They are characterized by their unique appearance and are found in the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific region. These fish can grow up to 14.0cm in size and are commonly found in the Indo-West Pacific region from East Africa to Fiji, with their range extending from the Ryukyu Islands in the north to New South Wales in the south.

Aquarium Suitability
The Bristle-tail file-fish is considered suitable for aquariums, with a minimum tank size of 300 liters. They have average hardiness and are known to be docile but may show aggression towards similar species. It is important to provide ample hiding places such as live rocks in the aquarium and to exercise caution when keeping them with more aggressive fish.

Care and Hardiness
These fish require frequent feeding, especially when newly introduced to the tank, and feed on a diet that includes macroalgae, microalgae, and small crustaceans like krill and artemia. They are known to eat tubeworms and glass anemones, making them useful in controlling populations of unwanted pests in the aquarium. Bristle-tail file-fish tend to be shy and would appreciate peace and quiet in their environment.

Reef Suitability
Considered reef safe with caution, these file-fish should be monitored when housed in reef aquariums due to their occasional tendency to eat corals or invertebrates. However, they can help control pests like Aiptasia anemones in the reef tank.

Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Bristle-tail file-fish, it is important to provide ample hiding spots like live rocks and ensure a peaceful environment. Maintaining the water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C is crucial for their well-being.

Behavior
These file-fish are known to be shy and docile, preferring a calm environment. They should be given space and should not be provoked by either the aquarist or other fish in the tank. However, they may display aggression towards similar species.

Feeding and Diet
Bristle-tail file-fish require frequent feeding, several times a day initially, especially when adjusting to the tank. Their diet should include macroalgae such as seaweed or nori, microalgae like spirulina, and small crustaceans such as krill and artemia.

Habitat and Distribution
Their habitat spans from East Africa to Fiji in the Indo-West Pacific region, with sightings from the Ryukyu Islands to New South Wales, and recently recorded in Tonga. They are commonly found in seagrass beds and other coastal areas, where they feed on a variety of small invertebrates.