Acreichthys radiatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Biota Radial Filefish, scientifically known as Acreichthys radiatus, belongs to the family Monacanthidae. These captivating fish have ornate cryptic markings that help them blend effortlessly among corals, particularly Xenia soft corals. With the ability to rapidly change color and patterning, they can camouflage themselves well. In the wild, they are distributed across the Western Pacific Ocean, from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia.

Aquarium Suitability

The Biota Radial Filefish is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists alike due to being hardier and more accustomed to aquarium conditions than their wild-caught counterparts. They should be kept in a well-established aquarium of at least 30 gallons, with live rock, live sand, and plenty of hiding spots.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species is rated as moderate in terms of care demands. They are typically peaceful but may show aggression towards members of their own genus. Multiple Radial Filefish can be kept in larger setups with minimal territorial issues. They are best housed with similarly peaceful tankmates and should be kept away from more aggressive fish.

Reef Suitability

The Biota Radial Filefish can be kept in a reef aquarium with caution, as they may occasionally nip at soft and stony corals. It's essential to monitor their behavior closely if kept in a reef setting to prevent any damage to the coral.

Aquarium Setup

To create an ideal habitat for the Biota Radial Filefish, a tank of at least 30 gallons with live rock, live sand, and ample hiding spaces is recommended. Tankmates should be chosen carefully to ensure compatibility, and the aquarium should be well-established before introducing the fish.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful and curious nature, Biota Radial Filefish spend much of their time exploring and investigating their surroundings. They use their large rotating eyes to track food and potential threats, making them interesting to observe in an aquarium setting.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, the diet of the Biota Radial Filefish should include a variety of meaty foods and vegetable matter. This can include shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. Feeding small amounts multiple times a day is recommended.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Male Radial Filefish can be easily distinguished from females by the presence of a cluster of bushy bristles/spines at the base of the peduncle. While captive reproduction information is not provided, observing and understanding the dimorphic characteristics can be fascinating for aquarists interested in the species.