{"product_id":"tassled-filefish-chaetodermis-penicilligerus","title":"Tassled Filefish - Chaetodermis penicilligerus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Tassled Filefish (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eChaetodermis penicilligerus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e) is a uniquely camouflaged marine fish recognized for its shaggy appearance, mottled coloration, and flowing tassel-like appendages that help it blend into reef structures and algae-covered environments. Native to Indo-Pacific reefs, lagoons, and coastal rubble zones, this species relies heavily on camouflage and slow, deliberate movement to avoid predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUnlike many fast-moving reef fish, Tassled Filefish spend much of their time hovering slowly through rockwork and coral structures while searching for small invertebrates and benthic prey. Their unusual appearance and personality make them a highly interesting species for experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate to Advanced – Requires careful feeding and peaceful tank conditions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 75+ gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAquarium Setup:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Established aquarium with mature rockwork, calm hiding areas, and moderate flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTassled Filefish appreciate aquariums with natural rock structures, caves, and areas where they can blend into their surroundings. They are generally slow-moving fish that benefit from low-stress environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTassled Filefish are carnivorous feeders that consume small benthic invertebrates and meaty foods in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Carnivore – Requires varied meaty foods\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClam and shrimp meat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen carnivore blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSome specimens may initially be hesitant to accept prepared foods and may require patience during acclimation. Frequent feeding with a varied diet helps maintain healthy body weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 5–8 years\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Slow to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith stable conditions and consistent nutrition, Tassled Filefish can become hardy long-term aquarium inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Generally calm but may nip at certain invertebrates\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReef Safe?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e No (with caution)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTassled Filefish may nip at soft corals, polyps, feather dusters, tube worms, and small ornamental invertebrates. Individual behavior varies significantly between specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThey are best housed with peaceful to moderately active tank mates that will not outcompete them during feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFeeding Difficulties:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome individuals can be slow to accept prepared foods after importation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoral \u0026amp; Invertebrate Nipping:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMay graze on soft-bodied invertebrates and coral polyps in reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTimid Behavior:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAggressive tank mates may stress this species and reduce feeding activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCamouflage Behavior:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir cryptic coloration and slow movement often cause them to blend into the aquascape surprisingly well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 75–77°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edKH (Alkalinity):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8–9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8.1–8.3\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eStable water chemistry, low stress levels, and consistent feeding are important for maintaining healthy weight and long-term success with Tassled Filefish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50886920110378,"sku":"FILExTassledS","price":135.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50886920143146,"sku":"FILExTassledM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50886920175914,"sku":"FILExTassledL","price":343.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-tassled-filefish-chaetodermis-penicilligerus-1238937892.png?v=1778973971","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/tassled-filefish-chaetodermis-penicilligerus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}