Fantail Filefish Care Guide
Pervagor spilosoma is a Hawaiian filefish reaching about 18 cm, feeding on algae, invertebrates and corals.
Overview
Pervagor spilosoma, the Fantail Filefish, is a filefish of the family Monacanthidae. FishBase describes a bluish-gray head and breast with a yellowish or white body and a reddish-orange caudal fin. It reaches about 18 cm in total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Monacanthidae
- Genus: Pervagor
- Scientific name: Pervagor spilosoma (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the Leeward Group, and is rare at Johnston Island. It is benthopelagic over rock, rubble and sand; juveniles are epi- and benthopelagic. FishBase lists a broad depth range of about 6-730 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (about 66 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
FishBase reports the species consumes algae, small benthic invertebrates and corals; its trophic level of about 2.8 reflects an omnivorous to herbivorous diet. Wikipedia adds macroalgae, microalgae, tubeworms, krill and small crustaceans. The KB record lists it as an omnivore fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
The KB record treats it as a peaceful, mid-water species that may nip corals, so it is considered not reef-safe. Suggested tankmates include tangs, wrasses and cardinalfish; aggressive triggers should be avoided.
Behavior
Wikipedia notes population fluctuations in this species, with unusually large numbers recorded between 1985 and 1988; when abundant, individuals occupy shallower areas.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015).