Redtail Filefish Care Guide
Pervagor melanocephalus is an Indo-West Pacific filefish reaching about 16 cm, found on clear coastal and outer reefs.
Overview
Pervagor melanocephalus, the Redtail Filefish, is a filefish of the family Monacanthidae from the Indo-West Pacific. It reaches about 16 cm in total length and is sometimes collected for the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Monacanthidae
- Genus: Pervagor
- Scientific name: Pervagor melanocephalus (Bleeker, 1853)
Habitat
FishBase records the species across the Indo-West Pacific in tropical waters. It occurs on clear coastal and protected outer reefs with rich invertebrate growth, typically in pairs and often in deeper reef zones at depths of about 20-40 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 5-8 years (KB record)
Diet
The KB record classifies the Redtail Filefish as an omnivore fed about twice daily. Within the genus Pervagor, related species take algae and small benthic invertebrates; specific prey items for this species were not detailed by the consulted sources.
Compatibility
The KB record describes it as a peaceful, mid-water species but notes it may nip corals, so it is treated as not reef-safe. Suggested tankmates include tangs, wrasses and cardinalfish; aggressive triggers should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015).