Cantherhines pullus

Datasheet

General Description

The Orangespotted filefish, scientifically known as Cantherhines pullus, belongs to the Monacanthidae family. These filefish have a distinctive appearance and can grow up to 20.0cm in size. They are commonly found in the Mexican Gulf in the West Atlantic region.

Aquarium Suitability

The Orangespotted filefish is considered suitable for aquariums but with caution. They have average hardiness and require a tank size of at least 800 liters. Their recommended diet includes small crustaceans, sponges, and zooplankton.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species requires a peaceful environment and careful handling during catching as they are prone to getting caught in nets. They need to be kept away from coral tanks due to their tendency to feed on corals and invertebrates. They adapt well to tank life with minimal disturbance.

Reef Suitability

The reef compatibility of the Orangespotted filefish is unknown, and caution should be exercised when considering them for a reef setup due to their potential threat towards crustaceans and other small marine creatures.

Aquarium Setup

To house Orangespotted filefish, it is essential to maintain water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and carbonate hardness levels between 8-12 dKH.

Behaviour

The temperament of the Orangespotted filefish is unknown, but they generally prefer peace and quiet both from the aquarist and other fish when adapting to aquarium life.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet should consist of macroalgae, microalgae, small crustaceans such as krill and artemia, sponges, and zooplankton like cyclops and pods. Providing a varied diet will help maintain their health in captivity.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Orangespotted filefish can be found in the Mexican Gulf in the West Atlantic region where they feed on a variety of marine organisms such as small bivalves, snails, and crustaceans.