Orange-Spot Filefish
Cantherhines pullus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Bold |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 90 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Orange-Spot Filefish (Cantherhines pullus) is an Atlantic “leatherjacket” filefish known for its orange speckling, banded patterning, and the filefish-style first dorsal spine. It is most often seen working through rock and reef structure, cruising close to the bottom and pausing to inspect surfaces.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, deliberate cruising around live rock with frequent stops to “pick” and investigate
- Regular use of caves and overhangs, with quick retreats followed by reappearing nearby
- A bold, curious approach to new items in the tank (clips, rocks, feeding stations)
- A steady day-to-day routine of patrolling the same zones of the aquarium
To do well, provide stable rockwork with multiple hiding pockets and enough open area to turn and cruise comfortably. Offer a mixed menu of meaty frozen foods plus algae-based options, and keep feeding consistent so it learns your schedule. In mixed communities, it settles best when tankmates allow it space to browse and explore.
Is this the same “orange spotted filefish” that people say only eats Acropora polyps?
No the common name gets used for different filefish. Confirm the scientific name (Cantherhines pullus) to avoid mixing it up with other species that are discussed online under similar names.
Do they do better singly or as a pair?
Most keepers report them behaving well as a single specimen, and some observations note they may be found in pairs in nature; pairing attempts in captivity usually go best when both fish are introduced together.
Why does my filefish “wedge” itself into rockwork at night?
That’s a common resting behavior—many filefish pick a tight spot in the rock structure and stay there until lights return.
Will it function as an Aiptasia-eating filefish?
Hobby discussions frequently mix this species up with the commonly sold Aiptasia-eating filefish; don’t assume Aiptasia control based on the “filefish” label alone—verify the exact species you’re buying.
Do they change appearance quickly after shipping or acclimation?
Keepers commonly report filefish looking “different” once settled (pattern/contrast shifting with mood and environment), especially after moving from a store tank into a quieter aquarium with more cover.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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