{"product_id":"whitespotted-filefish","title":"Whitespotted Filefish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Whitespotted Filefish (\u003cem\u003eCantherhines macrocerus\u003c\/em\u003e), also called the American Whitespotted Filefish or Clown Filefish, has a deep, flattened body, a pointed snout, and a prominent first dorsal spine. Adults can be brown or mottled orange-brown, with pale spots that vary in visibility. Juveniles are often dark with conspicuous white spots. The tail base bears two pairs of spines that are particularly noticeable on mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative primarily to the western Atlantic, from Florida and Bermuda through the Caribbean to Brazil, this species inhabits coral reefs and rocky bottoms. It is often seen near gorgonians, where it picks at food on reef surfaces. Sponges, gorgonians, and algae make up much of its recorded diet, and it also takes hydroids and some corals. These feeding habits are important when choosing an aquarium and tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Whitespotted Filefish suits a spacious, mature fish-only aquarium with live rock, shaded cover, and enough open water for a large adult to maneuver. Its deliberate swimming and feeding make calm companions a better fit than fast, assertive fish. Plan around an adult up to 18.1 inches before adding a smaller specimen.\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 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 18.1 inches (46 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, primarily the western Atlantic from Florida and Bermuda to Brazil\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCantherhines macrocerus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 180 gallons for long-term adult housing. Choose a long, wide display that lets the fish turn comfortably and pass between rocks without brushing against them. A larger footprint is preferable for a full-grown fish, especially if tankmates also use the lower water column or the rockwork occupies much of the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild sturdy rock formations with broad overhangs and shaded recesses sized for the adult. Leave clear water in front of these shelters for browsing and feeding. Several large openings help the fish move between cover and open water without passing through a single narrow gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet up a quiet feeding area.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use broad, gentle flow near a rock face or overhang so the fish can hold position and inspect small food pieces. Distribute stronger circulation elsewhere to support oxygenation and carry debris toward the filtration. Observe where food travels and adjust the delivery point if it leaves the filefish’s reach too quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA filefish may raise its first dorsal spine and brace itself in cover when disturbed. Keep shelter openings wide enough for the adult and position heavy rock on a stable base. Allow space to service equipment and siphon around the rocks without disturbing the fish’s main refuge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse an established biological filter, effective mechanical filtration, and good surface movement. A secure cover and guarded intakes help keep the display safe. Track the amount of food settling in shaded areas as the fish grows, and use accessible rock placement to make routine cleaning practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Whitespotted Filefish is an omnivore with a natural diet that includes substantial amounts of sessile invertebrates and algae. In captivity, offer a varied rotation of marine animal foods, algae-based items, and balanced preparations. Sponge-containing frozen foods are an option alongside other items the fish accepts. Its small mouth benefits from pieces scaled to what it can pick up and swallow comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotate foods from these options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppropriately sized frozen mysis or enriched brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped marine shrimp, clam, or other seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen marine preparations containing sponge material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced frozen marine omnivore foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine algae or spirulina-based preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable marine pellets once accepted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with two to three small meals per day and adjust portions to the individual’s condition. Place some food near the fish’s shelter, or release it gently along a rock face where the fish can approach it. Feed faster tankmates in another area first if they repeatedly take the filefish’s food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfirm swallowing during acclimation.\u003c\/strong\u003e A fish may sample a piece or pick repeatedly without eating enough. Offer smaller portions or a finer texture if it spits food out, and try small frozen foods or enriched live prey if it is slow to begin feeding. Introduce balanced prepared items once it is taking meals regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve body condition over several feedings and keep more than one accepted food available. Remove unused seafood and algae before they break down. If the fish eats less after a change in stocking or flow, check whether it can still reach food from its favored shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Whitespotted Filefish is generally peaceful with unrelated fish. It often moves deliberately around cover and can be outcompeted by fast or territorial tankmates. Choose calm companions that give it time to approach food and enough space to move around the rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping one filefish is the simplest arrangement for a typical display. Wild pairs are documented, and any attempt to keep compatible individuals together should allow extra space, separate retreats, and several feeding locations. Observe how each fish uses shelter and whether both have access to food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid persistent fin nippers and fish that repeatedly drive the filefish away from cover. Watch for damaged fins, missed meals, or an individual that no longer leaves its retreat at feeding time. Shift food to a quieter area and provide an alternate route to shelter. Separate incompatible fish if the problem persists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Whitespotted Filefish is \u003cstrong\u003eNon Reef Safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Gorgonians, sponges, hydroids, and some corals are documented natural foods. A large adult can repeatedly browse exposed colonies and other sessile invertebrates as it moves around the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a mature fish-only aquarium with live rock for long-term housing. Regular prepared meals help maintain condition, and natural browsing can continue between feedings. Keep ornamental gorgonians, sponges, and other vulnerable invertebrates in a separate display.\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\u003eKeep the aquarium fully cycled and well oxygenated, with undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Replace evaporated water with fresh water and match new saltwater to the display during water changes. Check circulation around sheltered areas after pump or filter maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitor nutrient trends as feeding increases. Clean mechanical filtration and siphon accessible scraps before they decompose. Learn the fish’s usual breathing, appetite, and use of cover so changes in condition 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 180 gallons and a wide footprint with room for a fish up to 18.1 inches (46 cm) to turn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spots can vary in visibility. This species is distinct from the much smaller Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rotate fine marine animal foods, sponge-containing preparations, and algae-based foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose calm fish and provide a feeding position away from faster companions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e House in a fish-only system. Gorgonians, sponges, and corals are vulnerable to browsing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a suitably sized rigid container where practical. The dorsal spine and spines near the tail can catch in fine mesh.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard \/ S","offer_id":53484027248938,"sku":"FILxWhtS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ SM","offer_id":53484299059498,"sku":"FILxWhtSM","price":101.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ M","offer_id":53484299092266,"sku":"FILxWhtM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ ML","offer_id":53484299125034,"sku":"FILxWhtML","price":161.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ L","offer_id":53484299157802,"sku":"FILxWhtL","price":197.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XL","offer_id":53484299190570,"sku":"FILxWhtX","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XXL","offer_id":53484299223338,"sku":"FILxWhtXX","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ SHOW","offer_id":53484299256106,"sku":"FILxWhtSH","price":449.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ S (1.1-1.5\")","offer_id":53484318490922,"sku":"FILxAWhtS","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ SM (1.6-2\")","offer_id":53484318523690,"sku":"FILxAWhtSM","price":122.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ M (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":53484318556458,"sku":"FILxAWhtM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ ML (2.6-3\")","offer_id":53484318589226,"sku":"FILxAWhtML","price":161.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ L (3.1-3.5\")","offer_id":53484318621994,"sku":"FILxAWhtL","price":182.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Atlantic \/ XL (3.6-4\")","offer_id":53484318654762,"sku":"FILxAWhtX","price":200.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Whitespotted-Filefish.png?v=1793982190","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/whitespotted-filefish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}