Colored Filefish
Pervagor melanocephalus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2.25 - 3.5" - Redtail - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $83.99.$43.99Current price is: $43.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Orange Body - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $98.99.$51.99Current price is: $51.99. | Email me |
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| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Colored Filefish (Pervagor melanocephalus), also called the Blackheaded Filefish, has an orange-to-red body with a darker head and a classic filefish profile. It swims with slow, deliberate fin strokes and spends much of its time close to the rockwork where it can browse and pause between short laps.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow cruising along rock faces with frequent “stop-and-pick” browsing
- A consistent loop between a few favorite ledges and shelter spots
- Feeding in small bites, often staying lower in the tank instead of rushing upward
- A calm presence around other fish, with most attention focused on the aquascape
Provide a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock caves and open lanes so it can browse and retreat. Offer a varied omnivore menu (finely chopped shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis, vitamin-soaked krill, plus marine algae-based foods) in small portions multiple times daily. It does best when tankmates allow it to take its time at meals, and steady routine feeding helps it settle into predictable behavior.
Will this filefish eat Aiptasia?
Most hobbyist discussions don’t describe it as a consistent Aiptasia-eater, and it’s usually kept for its color and behavior rather than pest control.
How do I get it to accept frozen foods faster?
Many keepers have success offering small meaty foods in the same quiet spot daily. Pressing food into a rock crevice can encourage natural picking until it begins taking bites more readily.
Why does it wedge itself into rock and raise a spine?
Filefish can “lock” their first dorsal spine and brace in rockwork while resting. In aquariums this is commonly reported as a normal resting behavior.
Can I keep two Colored Filefish together?
Most keepers recommend a single specimen unless you have a proven pair. Unpaired filefish may spend time posturing or chasing, especially in tighter rockwork.
What does “peaceful” look like in day-to-day behavior?
It typically ignores other fish and focuses on browsing, but it may hold a preferred nook or feeding area. Extra caves and multiple feeding areas help keep interactions calm.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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