Filefish

Filefish include small camouflaged species and much larger animals with very different aquarium commitments. Identify the species and adult size before using the group name as a guide to reef compatibility.

Aiptasia-eating filefish still need normal feeding, may ignore the target anemones, and can nip corals. Other species can be unsuitable for a typical coral reef for different reasons. Provide suitable shelter and a varied diet, and review the actual coral and invertebrate community before adding a filefish as either a display animal or a hoped-for pest-control helper.