{"product_id":"honeycomb-filefish","title":"Honeycomb Filefish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycomb Filefish (\u003cem\u003eCantherhines pardalis\u003c\/em\u003e), also called the Honeycomb Leatherjacket or Wirenet Filefish, has a flattened body, pointed snout, and prominent first dorsal spine. Its flanks can show a network of dark polygonal markings, a mottled gray-brown pattern, or an almost solid brown color. A small white mark on the upper tail base just behind the soft dorsal fin is a more consistent identification feature than the honeycomb pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species occurs across much of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, and has also been recorded in parts of the eastern Atlantic. It often inhabits outer reef slopes, including silty areas where it can retreat into cover. Juveniles may shelter in floating seaweed. It forages on small animals and other growth on the bottom, making short feeding trips around rock and nearby structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn an aquarium, the Honeycomb Filefish suits a mature fish-only system with live rock, calm tankmates, and a sheltered place to feed. It spends time inspecting surfaces and may retreat quickly when disturbed. Plan space for a fish approaching 10 inches and observe feeding closely when it first settles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 9.8 inches (25 cm total length)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific and parts of the eastern Atlantic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCantherhines pardalis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 75 gallons for one adult. The documented maximum is 9.8 inches (25 cm) in total length. Choose a broad footprint with room to turn beside the rockwork and enough open water to move between shelters. Use a larger display if several fish use the same area or the rockwork takes up much of the available space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild stable rockwork with broad overhangs, shaded ledges, and clear exits. Leave open space in front of cover so the fish can hover and take passing food. Several retreats allow it to move out of sight without giving up access to its feeding area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet up a low-flow feeding area.\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct a gentle current along a rock face or across the entrance to a shelter. Maintain stronger circulation elsewhere for surface agitation and oxygen exchange. Watch where fine food travels and adjust the delivery position if it is swept past the fish before it can feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse established biological filtration, an appropriately fitted lid, and guarded intakes. Anchor larger rocks so the fish has stable cover if it raises its dorsal spine in a crevice. Leave enough space around the aquascape to siphon settled food without moving the fish’s shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recently introduced fish may use one overhang for most of the day. Begin feeding near the spot it chooses and move the feeding area outward as it becomes comfortable. Keep another sheltered position available in case a tankmate starts using the same ledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycomb Filefish naturally picks at bottom-dwelling invertebrates. In captivity, offer an omnivore rotation centered on small marine animal foods, with algae-based foods and complete preparations included. Its mouth is small relative to its body, so chop seafood into pieces the fish can pick up and swallow readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotate foods from these options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall frozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped clam, shrimp, or other marine seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced frozen marine omnivore preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely sized marine algae or spirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall complete marine pellets once accepted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with two to three small meals a day. Offer the first few pieces close to the fish’s cover and watch it take them. If quicker fish intercept the food, feed them at a second position and then offer the filefish its portion along the rock face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerify that the fish is swallowing food.\u003c\/strong\u003e The filefish may approach a piece and pick at it without taking much. Try finer pieces, a softer texture, or a calmer delivery position if it repeatedly spits food out. Small frozen foods or enriched live prey may help establish feeding before complete foods are introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse appetite and body condition to adjust portions over several days. Watch for a thinning body profile or a fish that no longer comes out for meals. Remove leftover seafood and algae before it breaks down, especially food that collects behind shaded rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycomb Filefish is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish. Its deliberate swimming and feeding make it susceptible to persistent fin nipping and feeding competition. Choose calm tankmates that allow it to use its cover and feed without being rushed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne specimen is the simplest arrangement for most home aquariums. Allow additional room, separate shelters, and distinct feeding positions if keeping compatible filefish together. Observe both fish at meals and around cover to check that one does not consistently displace the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepeated chasing, damaged fins, or a fish that stays hidden through several meals warrants a closer look. Offer food near a quieter shelter and give the fish a second route into cover. Separate incompatible tankmates if it still cannot feed or rest comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honeycomb Filefish is \u003cstrong\u003eNon Reef Safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its natural browsing and aquarium feeding behavior put corals, sponges, mollusks, and other exposed ornamental invertebrates at risk. Individuals may repeatedly pick at animals near favored shelters or grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a fish-only aquarium with live rock for long-term housing. Keep valuable coral colonies and vulnerable invertebrates in a separate display. Regular meals help maintain the filefish’s condition, and natural browsing may continue between feedings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain a fully cycled, well-oxygenated marine aquarium with undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Replace evaporated water with fresh water and match replacement saltwater to the aquarium during water changes. Check circulation around the rockwork after servicing pumps or filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack nutrient levels as feeding increases. Clean mechanical filtration and siphon scraps from accessible areas before they accumulate. Observe the fish’s usual breathing, appetite, and shelter use to recognize changes in condition early.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide at least 75 gallons for one adult up to 9.8 inches (25 cm), with room to turn around stable rockwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentification:\u003c\/strong\u003e The small white mark behind the soft dorsal fin is useful when the honeycomb pattern is faint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer fine marine animal foods with algae-based items and complete preparations. Confirm swallowing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose calm fish and provide separate feeding access when competition develops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e House in a fish-only aquarium with live rock. Corals, sponges, and other exposed ornamental invertebrates can be browsed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a suitable rigid container where practical, as the dorsal spine can catch in fine mesh.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"L (3.1-3.5\")","offer_id":53484982239530,"sku":"FILxHonL","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Honeycomb-Filefish.png?v=1793988112","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/honeycomb-filefish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}