{"product_id":"redtail-filefish","title":"Redtail Filefish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Redtail Filefish (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePervagor melanocephalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), also known as the Blackheaded Filefish or Orange Body Filefish, combines a dark front portion with orange coloration toward the rear and patterned tail. Its compressed body, pointed snout, and deliberate hovering create a distinctive profile among reef-associated fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFound in the Indo-West Pacific, it spends time close to reef structure where shelter and surfaces to browse are readily available. New arrivals can be reserved, while settled individuals may become more visible as they learn the aquarium’s feeding routine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis filefish is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish and should not be stocked as though it were an aggressive triggerfish. Its main challenges are feeding competition and getting a new specimen onto a varied menu. It is not reef safe: browsing may include coral tissue, clam mantles, and other ornamental animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 50 Gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Up to 6.3 inches (16 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indo-West Pacific\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePervagor melanocephalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature aquarium of at least 50 gallons for adult housing. Allow for an adult reaching 6.3 inches (16 cm), and consider the usable footprint rather than the gallon rating alone. The fish needs room to turn, reach shelter, and feed without repeated close encounters with tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide shaded ledges, overhangs, and several quiet retreats. A planted marine display with suitable macroalgae can offer useful structure, provided enough open water remains for normal swimming and food delivery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep resting areas out of direct pump jets and avoid exposing every part of the aquarium to intense illumination. Allow a newcomer to choose when to leave cover, while arranging a feeding point where its intake can be observed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArrange stable rockwork with protected retreats and clear routes between them. Maintain access for inspecting the fish and removing food fragments. Support heavy structures securely and avoid sharp projections along frequently used swimming paths.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide good oxygenation and effective biological and mechanical filtration while retaining calm areas. Gentle to moderate, distributed circulation is preferable to directing a powerful jet through its only resting or feeding location.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFit a secure cover and protect equipment intakes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Close gaps around plumbing and overflows. Establish a calm introduction routine and avoid repeatedly chasing the fish out of shelter to make it visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a mixed diet of small marine animal foods and algae-based preparations. This is an omnivore, so a diet made solely of large meaty chunks or solely of seaweed is inappropriate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome new arrivals recognize live foods before frozen or pelletized foods. Use suitable live food to establish feeding when necessary, then introduce new foods alongside accepted items. Maintain a calm feeding area rather than repeatedly increasing the ration in a competitive community.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRotate foods with appropriate size and texture. Practical options include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMysis shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnriched brine shrimp as part of a varied diet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinely chopped marine shrimp, clam, or mussel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall pieces of squid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality frozen marine omnivore preparations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine algae-based foods and accepted pellets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer small portions two or three times daily, adjusting the total amount to body condition and observed intake. Distribute food across more than one location if companions intercept it, and give a new arrival time to feed close to cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatch for actual swallowing rather than assuming that movement toward food means a successful meal. A fish that repeatedly mouths and rejects food may still be underfed. Maintain accepted foods while introducing variety gradually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove leftovers before they break down among the rocks. Mature grazing surfaces add opportunities to explore, but they do not replace a deliberate feeding routine or regular checks of body condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis filefish is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish, but can become territorial toward its own kind or other filefish sharing the same shelter. Calm behavior does not make it immune to harassment or prevent occasional investigative nipping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose calm, non-nipping companions that allow it to reach food and resting places without being pursued. Peaceful community fish may be suitable when their adult sizes, water requirements, and feeding habits are compatible; no species list guarantees success with every individual.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly aggressive triggers, persistent fin nippers, and unusually competitive feeders. A fish that remains confined to one corner, misses meals, or hides continuously to avoid pursuit is not successfully coexisting simply because serious injuries are absent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep one specimen in a typical aquarium. Multiple filefish can compete for the same feeding surfaces and retreats, and an untested pair should not be assumed compatible because the individuals are small or appear quiet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObserve introductions and reassess behavior as the fish settles in. Separated feeding locations and visual barriers can reduce mild competition, but persistent chasing, fin damage, or exclusion from food requires separation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot reef safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Coral and invertebrate compatibility must be assessed separately from its temperament toward other fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species may nip both soft and stony corals, clam mantles, and other exposed invertebrates. Its generally peaceful relationship with other fish does not make it reef compatible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a fish-only setting or a deliberately planned display without vulnerable ornamental livestock. A fish that initially hides may begin picking at desirable animals only after it becomes confident enough to explore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlan the display around the animals that need protection before introducing the filefish. A brief period without visible damage is not evidence that feeding preferences will remain unchanged, and frequent meals cannot guarantee the safety of ornamental livestock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 72–78°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated marine water with an established biological filter. Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable, and routine testing should guide water changes and nutrient export.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck salinity with a calibrated instrument, replace evaporated water with freshwater, and match replacement saltwater carefully. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, salinity, or pH during maintenance or transfers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequent small meals require reliable cleanup of uneaten food. Observe appetite, respiration, and body condition alongside test results; clear water alone does not demonstrate that the fish is receiving suitable care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow Feeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Choose calm companions and verify actual intake; an active feeding response elsewhere in the tank does not mean this fish has eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Space:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Allow for 6.3 inches (16 cm) and at least 50 gallons, with appropriate swimming and turning room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding Verification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Confirm food is swallowed and monitor body condition, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompatible Companions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Protect this deliberate feeder from repeated chasing, fin nipping, and competition at meals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Risk:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Corals and exposed invertebrates may be eaten or damaged; regular feeding does not guarantee their protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCareful Handling:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The dorsal spine and textured skin can snag in fine mesh. Use a suitable container for transfers when practical, avoid chasing, and never pull an entangled fish forcibly free.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard \/ T","offer_id":50971429634346,"sku":"FILxRedT","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ S","offer_id":53483353768234,"sku":"FILxRedS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ SM","offer_id":53483353801002,"sku":"FILxRedSM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ M","offer_id":53483353833770,"sku":"FILxRedM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ ML","offer_id":53483353866538,"sku":"FILxRedML","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ LG","offer_id":53483353899306,"sku":"FILxRedL","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XL","offer_id":53483353932074,"sku":"FILxRedX","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XX","offer_id":53483353964842,"sku":"FILxRedXX","price":182.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ T","offer_id":53483361763626,"sku":"FILxFRedT","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ S","offer_id":53483361796394,"sku":"FILxFRedS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ SM","offer_id":53483361829162,"sku":"FILxFRedSM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ M","offer_id":53483361861930,"sku":"FILxFRedM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ ML","offer_id":53483361894698,"sku":"FILxFRedML","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ LG","offer_id":53483361927466,"sku":"FILxFRedL","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ XL","offer_id":53483361960234,"sku":"FILxFRedX","price":155.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Fiji \/ XX","offer_id":53483361993002,"sku":"FILxFRedXX","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ T","offer_id":53483366252842,"sku":"FILxTRedT","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ S","offer_id":53483366285610,"sku":"FILxTRedS","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ SM","offer_id":53483366318378,"sku":"FILxTRedSM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ M","offer_id":53483366351146,"sku":"FILxTRedM","price":98.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ ML","offer_id":53483366383914,"sku":"FILxTRedML","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ LG","offer_id":53483366416682,"sku":"FILxTRedL","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ XL","offer_id":53483366449450,"sku":"FILxTRedX","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tonga \/ XX","offer_id":53483366482218,"sku":"FILxTRedXX","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Flame-Filefish.png?v=1793977855","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/redtail-filefish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}