{"product_id":"orangespotted-filefish-atlantic","title":"Orangespotted Filefish - Atlantic","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Orangespotted Filefish (\u003cem\u003eCantherhines pullus\u003c\/em\u003e) has a deep, flattened body, a pointed snout, and a prominent first dorsal spine. Small orange and pale spots are scattered across the body, and fine yellowish and bluish lines mark the head. The fish can also show pale stripes against a brown background. A light mark near the upper tail base is another useful feature when identifying it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species inhabits the Atlantic, with records from the northeastern United States and Bermuda through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to southeastern Brazil, as well as around São Tomé. On shallow coral and rocky reefs it often stays near the bottom, using branching coral and gorgonians for cover. It browses sponges, algae, and other growth on hard surfaces, including tunicates and bryozoans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Orangespotted Filefish suits a mature fish-only aquarium with live rock, shaded shelter, and calm tankmates. Its quiet swimming and deliberate feeding make food placement important. It is a separate species from the Indo-Pacific Orange Spotted Filefish (\u003cem\u003eOxymonacanthus longirostris\u003c\/em\u003e). Plan the aquarium and diet around the Atlantic species and its adult size.\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 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 7.9 inches (20 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 Atlantic, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCantherhines pullus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 55 gallons for one adult. Although many individuals are encountered at smaller sizes, the documented maximum is 7.9 inches (20 cm) in total length. Choose a broad footprint with room to turn in front of the rockwork. A larger, wider tank is preferable if other fish use the same area or the aquascape occupies much of the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange stable rocks with shaded overhangs and open spaces immediately outside them. A few upright pieces of décor can provide cover where the fish can hover without getting in the way of its swimming route. Leave several ways into and out of shelter so it can avoid a tankmate while staying near its feeding area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep a sheltered feeding lane.\u003c\/strong\u003e Aim a gentle current past a rock face or ledge so fine food moves within reach. Maintain stronger circulation and surface agitation elsewhere for oxygenation and filtration. Observe where food goes before changing the flow, since a direct jet can carry a meal past the fish too quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse established biological filtration, secure the lid, and protect pump intakes. Make enough space around the rock bases to siphon food that settles. Filefish can brace their dorsal spine in cover when disturbed, so provide crevices with openings that allow the full-grown fish to move in and out comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch where a newly introduced fish actually settles. It may favor a low ledge or the edge of a cave. Place the first feedings near that area, and keep a second quiet spot available in case another fish starts using the same shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orangespotted Filefish is an omnivore that naturally browses bottom growth. Sponge and algae are prominent in its wild diet, along with other small sessile invertebrates. In captivity, offer fine marine animal foods, algae-based items, and balanced preparations. A frozen food containing sponge can be part of the rotation alongside other items the fish accepts.\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 marine shrimp or clam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen marine foods containing sponge material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced marine omnivore preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely sized marine algae or spirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with two to three small meals daily. Deliver a few pieces near its shelter and watch the fish pick them up and swallow. In a community display, feed quicker tankmates at a different position first so the filefish has time to inspect its portion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatch food size to its small mouth.\u003c\/strong\u003e A fish that repeatedly spits out a piece may do better with finer food or a softer texture. Try small frozen foods or enriched live prey if feeding is slow to start. Add complete preparations once the fish is taking meals reliably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the fish’s body condition over several feedings. Browsing the rockwork between meals is typical, so observe how much prepared food it actually eats. Remove leftover seafood or algae before it breaks down, especially pieces trapped below overhangs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Orangespotted Filefish is generally peaceful with unrelated fish. It tends to move deliberately near shelter and can lose access to food when kept with faster or territorial tankmates. Choose calm companions that leave room for it to browse and enough time to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne specimen is a practical choice for a typical display. If keeping similar filefish together, provide more space, separate shelters, and multiple feeding positions. Observe each fish around the rockwork and during meals to see whether one animal is being consistently displaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepeated chasing, fin damage, and a fish that stays hidden through several meals all warrant a closer look. Offer food in a quieter location and provide another route to cover. Separate incompatible fish if the filefish cannot resume normal feeding and shelter use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlantic Orangespotted Filefish is \u003cstrong\u003eNon Reef Safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sponges, tunicates, bryozoans, and other sessile invertebrates are part of its natural diet. It may browse exposed ornamental invertebrates and pick at coral polyps. Individuals that eat prepared foods can still investigate living surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a fish-only aquarium with live rock for predictable long-term housing. Keep valuable sponges, ornamental corals, and other vulnerable invertebrates in a separate display. Position rock and décor so the filefish can inspect surfaces without losing space to move or retreat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–78°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\u003eKeep the aquarium fully cycled and well oxygenated, with undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Replace evaporated water with fresh water, and match replacement saltwater to the aquarium during water changes. Check circulation around shaded areas after servicing equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview nutrient trends as feeding increases and clean mechanical filtration regularly. Siphon accessible leftovers and observe the fish’s usual appetite, breathing, and use of cover so changes are easier to recognize.\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 55 gallons for one adult up to 7.9 inches (20 cm), with clear space to turn and several shaded retreats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies Identification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Look for scattered orange and pale spots, fine facial lines, and a light mark on the upper tail base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rotate fine marine animal foods, algae-based foods, and suitable sponge-containing preparations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose calm fish and give the filefish a quiet feeding position near cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e House in a fish-only system with live rock. Sponges and other exposed ornamental invertebrates are vulnerable to browsing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a suitable rigid container when practical. The first dorsal spine can catch in fine mesh.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S (1.1-1.5\")","offer_id":53484522864938,"sku":"FILxAtlS","price":68.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM (1.6-2.25\")","offer_id":53484584861994,"sku":"FILxAtlSM","price":77.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M (2.26-3\")","offer_id":53484584894762,"sku":"FILxAtlM","price":98.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (3.1-4\")","offer_id":53484584927530,"sku":"FILxAtlML","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L (4.1-5\")","offer_id":53484584960298,"sku":"FILxAtlL","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (5.1-6\")","offer_id":53484584993066,"sku":"FILxAtlX","price":218.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (6.1+\")","offer_id":53484585025834,"sku":"FILxAtlXX","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Orangespotted-Filefish.png?v=1793983121","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/orangespotted-filefish-atlantic","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}