Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Aiptasia-eating Filefish
Acreichthys tomentosus
Also called Bristle-tail filefish, Bristle-tail leatherjacket
From Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka east through Indonesia to New Caledonia and Tonga, north to southern Japan12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small, thin-bodied filefish with rough skin
A slim, flattened body in mottled green, brown and tan. It can change its colour, pattern and skin texture quickly to blend in with weed and rubble.234
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and somewhat shy, though curious. It rarely bothers other fish apart from its close relatives.34
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A calm swimmer that likes to hover among rockwork or gorgonians and peek out at its surroundings.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rated easy to moderate care. Often added to clean up Aiptasia anemones, but use caution in reef tanks since it may nip at soft and stony corals. Acclimate slowly.342
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L) with rockwork for shelter. Saltwater at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, dKH 8 to 12. Wild fish live on shallow reefs, seagrass and rubble at 2 to 15 m.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore. Feed small amounts several times a day: mysis, shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, soaked krill and frozen marine algae. Wild fish eat small bottom animals such as amphipods, worms and molluscs.341
Company who they like around
Generally solitary. Best kept as a single fish or with peaceful tankmates.13
The story where it all began
Linnaeus described the species in 1758. It became popular with reef keepers as a natural way to control Aiptasia, a common pest anemone in aquariums.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2015)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Aiptasia-eating Filefish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Aiptasia-eating Filefish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This mimics their natural grazing on small prey. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.34 Furry Diary plan
What does an Aiptasia-eating Filefish eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy mysis, shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, soaked krill, and frozen marine algae. Never feed them anything not listed in their diet, and avoid offering foods that could harm them, consult your vet for a safe list.341
How much space does an Aiptasia-eating Filefish need?
A tank of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 liters) with plenty of rockwork for hiding is needed. This gives them room to hover and explore calmly.31
What temperature, light or water does an Aiptasia-eating Filefish need?
Keep saltwater at 22 to 26°C (72 to 78°F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, and dKH 8 to 12. They come from shallow reefs, so moderate lighting is fine, but avoid extremes.31
How often should I clean an Aiptasia-eating Filefish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly glass clean, a weekly water test, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Adjust based on your tank's needs and ask your vet. Furry Diary plan
Can an Aiptasia-eating Filefish live with others?
They are generally solitary and best kept alone or with peaceful tankmates. They rarely bother other fish but may nip at corals, so caution is needed in reef tanks.31
How long does an Aiptasia-eating Filefish live?
Lifespan varies widely depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows this species well.
Can I handle an Aiptasia-eating Filefish?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage their delicate skin. Always use a net if you must move them, and keep handling to a minimum.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Acreichthys tomentosus, Bristle-tail file-fish fishbase.seused for distribution, length, depth, habitat, diet, IUCN status, describer
- Wikipedia: Acreichthys tomentosus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, length, camouflage, Aiptasia control
- LiveAquaria: Aiptasia Eating Filefish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet, colours
- Saltwaterfish.com: Aiptasia Eating Filefish saltwaterfish.comused for care level, temperament, behaviour, diet
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.