White-Spotted Filefish
Cantherhines macrocerus
| 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.
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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 | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 18 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The White-Spotted Filefish (Cantherhines macrocerus) is a large Atlantic “leatherjacket” often nicknamed the Atlantic clown triggerfish for its trigger-like profile and bold spot pattern. Its base color typically runs tan to olive-brown, and the white spotting can brighten or fade, changing the overall look in minutes. This species occurs from Florida into the Caribbean, where it spends time around reef structure and nearby hard-bottom habitats.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, deliberate cruising with frequent pauses to inspect rockwork and overhangs
- White spots that intensify or soften depending on mood and surroundings
- Regular “picking” behavior as it investigates surfaces for natural foods
- A noticeable preference for having a familiar cave or ledge to retreat to
For best results, provide a mature aquarium with sturdy rockwork, open swimming lanes, and calm tankmates that won’t crowd it at feeding time. Offer a varied menu that mixes meaty items with algae-forward options, and use multiple feeding points so it can eat at its own pace. Most keepers do best keeping this species as a single show specimen.
Why do the white spots sometimes “turn off”?
Many filefish can shift their contrast quickly; spots often fade when the fish is relaxed, resting, or trying to blend in.
Is it normal for a filefish to hover close to rockwork or wedge into a favorite spot at night?
Yes—many settle into a consistent “home base” and may rest tucked near ledges or crevices once lights dim.
Will it learn to eat prepared foods like pellets?
Many adapt over time; starting with familiar frozen foods and then mixing in quality prepared options often helps the transition.
How do I make sure it gets its share of food in a busy tank?
Spacing food out across the tank (or using a feeding stick for slower eaters) helps it feed without rushing.
Can I keep two together if I find a pair?
Pairs are sometimes seen in the wild, but long-term pairing success in home aquariums is inconsistent; introducing two at the same time tends to work better than adding a second later.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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