|
|
FAQs about Filefish Selection
Related Articles: Filefishes,
Related FAQs:
Filefishes,
Filefish Identification, Filefish
Behavior, Filefish Compatibility,
Filefish Systems, Filefish Feeding,
Filefish Disease, Filefish
Reproduction,
Filefishes eating Aiptasia,
Canthidermis pencilligera in the wild. | 
|
Mimic Filefish (Paraluteres prionurus) in groups? 2/16/08
Hi Crew
<Melanie>
First I must say great site, very informative
and I've spent many hours browsing through it.
<Ahh, am glad to find
you have benefitted>
I've been keeping marines for just over 3 years
and currently have a 72" x 28" x 28" tank (approximately 200 gallons
excluding sump). I have 100lbs of live rock in the main tank with a 1"
sand bed and live rock rubble in the sump with Chaeto, lit on reverse
cycle. Skimmer is a Deltec TS 1060.
Current fish stock includes:
5
x Yellow Tangs
Copperband
Pair of Common Clowns
Midas Blenny
Flame Hawkfish
Cleaner Wrasse
I had a bit of a tank disaster last
year when my last tank cracked while I was out of the house. I managed
to save all livestock as I had another (smaller tank) up and running at
the time and there was about 5 inches of water left at the bottom of the
cracked tank. Unfortunately, I still lost a number of fish as I had a
bad case of whitespot (I suspect caused by the stress of the sudden move
and the tank being too small). One of the fish I lost was my original
Mimic Filefish - my favourite fish.
At the time I was ready to pack
it all in, but I decided to persevere and got myself a bigger and better
tank instead! Having been down the route of keeping a number of
different fish, I have decided with this tank to try and
achieve a
slightly more natural look, by keeping 2 or 3 small groups of fish
instead (hence the Yellow Tangs). The individual fish in my list are
residents from my last tank.
I have seen on your site that you
recommend the Filefish be kept either singly or in a pair, however, as I
now have a reasonably sized tank I was wondering if I may be able to get
away with keeping a group of 5 Mimic Filefish?
<Mmm... am hesitant
to give a nod to this... as I've only encountered this species in
pairs or singly in the wild. Am wondering if more would fight>
During
my research I have seen it mentioned that they are found in small groups
or pairs in the wild.
<Really? Would you please send along some of
these references? Oh... I see a citation on Fishbase:
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?ID=%2048637... am
wondering if other sites are simply aping this report. Again, I have
never seen this species in more than twos.>
Failing that, are there
any distinguishing features between males and females that would allow
me to get myself a pair?
<None that I'm aware of>
Sorry if this
has already been asked/answered.
Thanks very much in advance.
Mel
<Welcome. Bob Fenner> Re: Mimic Filefish (Paraluteres
prionurus) in groups? 2/16/08
Thanks very much
Bob for your prompt reply.
<Welcome Melanie>
I've been doing a bit
more research and have found one reference to possible
differences
between males/females, which I thought I would pass on
(http://www.julianrocks.net/fish/Tetraodontiformes/leatherjackets/ParaluteresPrionurus.htm).
This indicates that males have a blue & yellow caudal fin.
<A neat
site... And I do see this assertion... And have just looked through all
my pix and can't make out this... but...>
I have also found what
could be an image of a male
(http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/pprionurus.htm).
<I
see>
Although I have seen a couple of images on the web of groups, a
second viewing makes me think that these are groups of juveniles.
<Mmm, maybe. The "pairs" I have seen have been clearly dimorphic, one
obviously larger than the other... And I did want to mention that I've
observed this fish, and the Toby it mimics "bounce" off others of their
kind when they encounter them in the wild... i.e. that they're not
social>
I am still tempted to get 5 juveniles, in the hope I get
myself a male and female and with a view to rehoming 3 of them as they
mature, but will speak
to my LFS first to make sure they are happy to
take them back. I'll let you
know how I get on if I go down this
route.
Thanks again.
Melanie
<Thank you. BobF>
Re: Mimic Filefish (Paraluteres prionurus) in groups?
2/17/09
Thanks again Bob - think I'll be sticking with just
the one then and get back to researching other possible groups
<This
is likely best here. Cheers, BobF> Horseshoe File fish
(Meuschenia hippocrepis) hardiness? 9/22/08
Good day
to you Crew!
<And you April>
I have searched your FAQ's for this
amazing fish from Australia, but have not seen a mention of it here. I
am writing to thank you for all of your volunteer time for us, it is
appreciated, and to ask if you know about this fish's hardiness in the
aquarium?
<Mmm, I don't know if I've ever seen this species here in
the west... Maybe caught a glimpse of it diving my only trip to
Tasmania... Ran a Google search with: Meuschenia hippocrepis in
aquariums... Has been kept...>
I have learned as much about it as I
can with the little I could find on line, and really
love it so far.
The final piece of information I need to make my decision, however, is
regarding its hardiness in the aquarium. I am considering its purchase,
high price
and all, but do not wish to purchase anything delicate. I
understand it is considered peaceful, can grow quite large, 20" max, and
would need at least a 200 gallon home.
I have a 300 gallon FO+LR set
up, at 8 ft. long. I have a 7" Naso Tang, two butterflies,
seven
yellow tail damsels, and two cleaner shrimp. Thanks a ton for all you do
there!
April.
<Mmm, not really an appropriate choice as this
animal is really coldwater/temperate, and your present stock/system is
tropical. Bob Fenner> Bad idea? Filefish sel.
4/25/07
Dear Bob,
<Stefan>
My marine aquarium has
been running for almost 2 years, deep sandbed, plenum in the main tank
(1.2m) In total the system consists of about 350L of water.
I have 3
clown fish, 1 regal tang, 1 blenny, 1 cardinal. All fish relatively
peaceful. I also have a variety of mushrooms, Ricordeas, zoanthids and
some leather corals
I was thinking of adding a trigger fish, but
they grow far to big for my liking and they will eat the hermits,
shrimps etc..... Now I'm thinking Filefish. I did some research and it
seems that the Redtail filefish (Pervagor melanocephalus) would be the
only choice for a reef system. Do you agree with this statement?
<There are a few others... Most Monacanthids are found on or associated
with reef environments...>
Any other species of filefish to consider
adding to my tank?
Thank You
Stefan Dorfling
<Not really...
Your system is too small. Bob Fenner> Black Saddled Mimic
Filefish
Dear Scott F:
<Hey there, Connie!>
I read a letter
today from someone named Rich who recently bought one of the above. I
have been waiting for about three months for this fish and cannot locate
it. Is there some way Rich could let us know where he bought the
fish? If he bought him on the internet or he lives near San Francisco,
I would love to know.
Patiently waiting. (ha) Connie
<Well, Rich-
can you help out a fellow Filefish enthusiast/WWM supporter here? If
Rich isn't in your area, you may want to check out Marine Center (see
the link at the top of the page)...They can often obtain rare and
unusual specimens for you. In fact, I can mention at least two occasions
where I was looking for something that they didn't list at the time, and
they actually emailed me a couple of months later when they finally
received it! That's good service! Hope you find your filefish! Good
luck! Regards, Scott F> Longnosed Filefish
Hi,
<Hello>
I know this fish is hard to keep, and usually dies within a week. But,
if this fish is provided with its exact needs would it live a much
longer life?
Yours Faithfully Aaron.
<Of a certainty yes. There
are a myriad of factors that go into an equation of likelihood of
survival/mortality... species specific, size, sometimes sex influenced
aspects... for relative resistance to capture, holding, moving...
feeding response to whatever (if anything) folks are offering... In this
case, this species does hold up pretty well to being caught, held and
shipped, but most often is "stuck" in situations/circumstances of too
small a space, not enough maturity to the system, too many
more-aggressive feeding tankmates... and most especially a lack of
appropriate foodstuffs. Improving on all these aspects/factors and more
definitely improves ones chances of keeping this fish longer,
healthier... even to and through reproduction. Bob Fenner>
Long Nose Filefish...NOT! For Captive Keeping - 02/13/06
Hi
there!
<<Hello!>>
I am just curious if someone could answer a
question about a long nose filefish?
<<Ah yes, Oxymonacanthus
longirostris...beautiful and interesting little fish...and completely
unsuitable for captive keeping.>>
I recently bought one and yes I
knew that they would be hard to feed.
<<(sigh)... More like
impossible.>>
The one I have seems to be doing great,
<<Doubtful
my friend.>>
I have many different foods both frozen and liquid form
<<!!!>> that I was told it would eat, and that simulate what it would
eat in the ocean.
<<Someone is sadly misinformed...or lying to
you. Either way, no excuse for you not doing your own research BEFORE
buying this fish. Oxymonacanthus longirostris feeds almost exclusively
on Acropora polyps...unless you are prepared to buy live corals for this
fish to feed upon, it is doomed.>>
Anyways, since he has a long
snout with a hole on the end of it and his mouth does not move, how can
I tell if he is eating it?
<<Mmm...you state the fish "seems to be
doing great" yet you don't know if it is feeding...I assure you it is
not likely at all.>>
Also, what would you suggest to feed it?
<<As already stated, live Acropora polyps. Your best hope is to return
this fish to the store that sold it to you...perhaps you can inform them
of its unsuitability to the aquarium trade... Regards, EricR >>
Long Nose Filefish...NOT! For Captive Keeping II – 02/14/06
Thank you for the reply, as I said I knew that it was a hard fish to
feed, and sorry for not doing my research before buying it. I just
wanted to know if you had any additional information on the fish,
because what I have read in the site from a few other owners of the long
nose filefish, they have had luck with feeding.
<<But what
constitutes a "few"? One in fifty?...a hundred?...a thousand?>>
And
to make you aware I think that it is feeding due to its activity when
the food is in the tank and it swims from one side to the other very
fast which I thought meant that maybe it was swooping it in to its
mouth.
<<Why would you think this? Have you actually seen this fish
ingest food? (apparently not, according to your previous email) Have
you done any research on the feeding habits of this fish?>>
And on a
side note I do know that you guys know a lot about the fish and that is
why I contacted you, I did not need your response to be so rude,
<<No, wasn't meant to be rude, but 'was' meant to be matter of fact/to
make a point.>>
by saying it was my fault for not doing research,
and that when I said my fish was healthy looking you replied that I must
not know that because I do not even know if it was eating.
<<Please
keep your facts straight... You didn't say your fish was "healthy
looking", you said your fish "seems to be doing great"...and you did
also say "how can I tell if he is eating it?". A fish that is not
eating is not "doing great"...and this fish specie is notorious for "not
eating". And...if it is not your fault for not doing research
beforehand, whose fault should it be?>>
It actually seems that you
do not know the information to tell me because you did not answer my
questions you just had a smart remark to give me about every sentence.
NOT INFORMATION. Thanks for the help but for the curiosity of the
others needing your help you might not want to be so rude when
responding to people just seeking your assistance.
<<Is unfortunate
you view it that way/that I wasn’t able to tell you what you “wanted” to
hear. Regards, EricR >>
Orange spotted filefish... Alive!
2/7/06
Dear Bob,
<Terri>
I am a long time reader but a
first time emailer so please be gentle! I have had a success where many
others fail, so this is my one and only chance to
brag; plus I
thought that you and others might be interested in this. I am the proud
owner of an orange spotted filefish that has just past the 18 month
mark.
<Congratulations!>
He, (well I assume he is a 'he'), lives
in my 75 gallon seahorse tank with 8 horses and a long nosed hawk fish.
I know that you are not going
to believe this, but he consists
solely on a diet of frozen foods.
<Have seen this>
This includes
Hikari Mysis, Marine Green, Marine Dinner, Frozen Squid and occasionally
as a treat, live brine. Additional to this, he picks at a strip
of
Nori I hang in the tank. Attached are a couple of pictures showing how
healthy he is. I keep meaning to borrow a video camera so that I can
make a
short film of him eating the frozen food and send it to you
(if you are interested). It is amazing watching him eat the Mysis
through his long
tubular snout. I am religious with my water
changes, tank maintenance and have a skimmer, chiller and U.V.
sterilizer. I am not encouraging novice
reefers to try to keep this
fish, but I just letting people out there know that it is possible. This
is my first filefish and he is definitely my pride
and joy! I love
him more than my seahorses and that is saying something!
Hope you
found this interesting,
Terri Rennie - (Sydney, Australia)
<Thank you for this input. I do suspect that your success is due to the
peaceful setting, good care you've provided... and the initial good
health of your specimen. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
_______________________________________
I don't care what you say...
ASCII art is still cool!
http://www.seahorse.org (SilverSeahorse)
\ \__
, " "-.
o , ---. ` ,
/ .
" / . /
/ / , " . . |
/ / .
. / / /
/ / . . . / - -
| | . .
. | \ \ \
| | . . /
\ \
. / , " .
\_ " - , ___ `_/
" _ . , . - "
Gwen the Seahorse
by Terri, 2005 Tassled
Filefish, sel., comp. 8/20/06
Thanks for the great
service you provide. You have helped me and countless others.
<And
greatly enjoyed most moments...>
I have a compatibility question. I
lost a beloved lionfish a few months ago who was the star of the
tank. I would like to
add a fish with similar star quality but want
to avoid the feeding issues I experienced with the lionfish. (The
lionfish would
begrudgingly eat frozen silversides and krill but I
had to separate the other fish to give the lionfish enough peace to
eat.)
<Yes... a common scenario>
I'm considering adding a
Tassled Filefish to the tank.
<Neat animals... but do get large...
need a few hundred gallons to "get around" even though not fast
moving...>
The Tassled Filefish is definitely an incredible looking
fish and from what I've read had a good temperament and is likely to
accept frozen foods well. My tank is a
250g fish only tank.
<Mmm, a good candidate thus far>
The current residents are a dogface
puffer, porcupine puffer, Falco's hawkfish, sailfin tang, striped
squirrelfish, a male and female bird wrasse, and a male and female
blue-jaw trigger. My water quality is consistently good, with ph at 8.3,
nitrates between 10 and 30, and kH between 10-12. I do a weekly 40g
water change and get
a cup of skimmate every few days. I feed the
fish frozen silversides and krill soaked in Selcon and garlic once
daily. I also give the sailfin tang Spirulina and Formula One Marine
Pellets a couple times a day, which the wrasses and triggers also
eat. Most of the fish are pre-adult though the male bird wrasse and
sailfin tang are adult size.
Do you think the Tassled Filefish would
be a compatible addition to the tank?
<It itself should
be... there may be a bit of jousting, tussling at first with the tank
and maybe some others...>
Would it be able to compete effectively
for food?
<I do think so... if "given enough chance" to settle in>
Would it be harassed when introduced?
<Is a possibility>
After
introduction?
<Much less a probability... this species,
Files/Monacanthids in general are "left well alone"... hard-bodied,
perhaps not recognized as fishes/competitors... I give you good odds
here>
I have plenty of rock in the tank, but many of the caves and
crevices are frequented already by the current residents. Your advice
would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Mike
<Welcome. Bob
Fenner, who would start with a "mid-sized" specimen... maybe 4-5 inches
overall length.>
|
|
