Bristletail Filefish
(Acreichthys tomentosus)

Descrição

The common names for *Acreichthys tomentosus* include Matted Filefish, Bristletail Filefish, Aiptasia-Eating Filefish, and Seagrass Filefish. I will use “Matted Filefish” and “Aiptasia-Eating Filefish” for the common name/variant field and the description.

Here’s the consolidated information for the description:

* **Common Name:** Matted Filefish, Aiptasia-Eating Filefish
* **Appearance & Behavior:** Oval-shaped body, typically brown/greenish with mottled patterns for camouflage. Can rapidly change color and skin texture. Shy and peaceful, but individualistic and can be territorial towards its own genus. Often found foraging on live rock, seaweeds, and seagrass beds. Known for consuming Aiptasia anemones.
* **Care Level:** Moderate/Intermediate. Generally hardy but needs a stable, mature aquarium. Peaceful temperament, but can be shy. Keep as a single specimen or a male-female pair. Reef safe with caution, as older specimens may nip at soft and stony corals. Avoid overly aggressive tank mates.
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 114 Litres (30 gallons) for a single specimen, though 150L+ (40 gallons+) is better. Some sources suggest 300L (79 gal). I will go with 114L (30 gallons) as a minimum, but suggest larger.
* **Water Parameters:**
* pH: 8.1-8.4. Some sources also list 7.7-8.5. I will use 8.1-8.4 for consistency with most sources.
* Temperature: 24-27°C (75-80°F). Some sources list 25-29°C. I will use 24-27°C.
* **Diet:** Omnivore. Known for eating Aiptasia anemones, but this is not their sole food source. Needs a varied diet including meaty foods (shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, krill) and vegetable matter (algae, Nori). Feed small quantities several times a day.
* **Maximum Size:** 12 cm (4.7 inches). Some sources mention up to 14 cm. I will use 12 cm.
* **Origin:** Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New South Wales (Australia). Found in shallow coral reefs, seagrasses, and seaweeds.
* **Lifespan:** Typically 5-7 years in captivity. Some reports mention 3.5 years, others 4-6 years, and some estimates up to 9-10 years. I will use “5-7 years” as it’s cited as “typical”.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom, Middle, Top, or general “throughout the tank” as it forages. I will use “All zones (foraging)”.
* **SEO Keywords:** “buy Aiptasia Eating Filefish online”, “Matted Filefish care”, “healthy marine fish”, “Aiptasia control”.

Confidence Score: 5/5 – I have ample reliable sources for all required data points.

Strategizing complete. I will now generate the response.

Matted Filefish: Your Natural Aiptasia Control Solution

Discover the fascinating Matted Filefish, a master of camouflage and a sought-after addition for its unique ability to help manage nuisance Aiptasia anemones in your marine aquarium.

Overview

The Matted Filefish (*Acreichthys tomentosus*) is celebrated for its remarkable camouflage, displaying mottled patterns of brown, green, and tan that allow it to blend seamlessly with rockwork and seagrass. This shy yet intelligent species moves deliberately, constantly foraging. Males develop distinct bristles at the tail base. While peaceful with most tank mates, they exhibit an individualistic charm that makes them truly captivating to observe in a well-structured environment.

Care Level

Considered a moderate care level species, the Matted Filefish thrives in established, stable marine aquariums. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind, making single specimens or male-female pairs ideal. While often introduced for Aiptasia control, exercise caution in reef tanks as some individuals may nip at corals, especially when older.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 114 litres (30 gallons) is recommended for a single Matted Filefish, though a larger tank provides more foraging space and stability. Provide ample live rock, rockwork, and areas with macroalgae for security and exploration. Stable water parameters are crucial, with a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and temperatures between 24-27°C.

Diet

The Matted Filefish is an omnivore. While known for consuming Aiptasia, they are not obligate anemone eaters. Supplement their diet with varied meaty foods like mysis shrimp, chopped squid, and krill, along with marine algae. Offer small meals several times a day to ensure optimal nutrition for these healthy marine fish.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Aiptasia Eating Filefish online from Corais de Vidro, you receive ethically sourced, responsibly quarantined specimens. Our commitment to humane shipping and expert after-sales support ensures your new aquatic companion arrives healthy and ready to thrive in your aquarium, promoting responsible fishkeeping practices. [data unavailable]

• Scientific Name: Acreichthys tomentosus
• Common Name / Variant: Matted Filefish / Aiptasia-Eating Filefish
• Maximum Size: 12 cm
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Lifespan: 5–7 years
• Swimming Zone: All zones (foraging)

Add this unique Aiptasia-controlling marvel to your marine tank today!