Aiptasia Eating Filefish

Also known as the Matted Filefish or Bristletail Filefish

The Aiptasia Eating Filefish is uniquely valued for its natural appetite for Aiptasia anemones, one of the most troublesome pests in reef aquariums. This small, peaceful filefish provides biological pest control while being generally reef-safe with most corals. Captive-bred specimens are strongly recommended as they’re conditioned to eat Aiptasia consistently and readily accept prepared foods. Their modest size and peaceful nature make them excellent additions to reef aquariums dealing with Aiptasia problems.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Acreichthys tomentosus
Adult Size: 3–4 inches (8–10 cm)
Lifespan: 3–5+ years with proper care
Temperament: Peaceful; may be shy initially
Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe; may nip some soft coral polyps
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (40+ gallons recommended)
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Tank Requirements

Environment:

• Live rock with Aiptasia (for pest control)
• Peaceful tankmates
• Standard reef conditions

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (primary)
• High-quality omnivore pellets
• Finely chopped seafood
• Nori sheets (occasional)
• Aiptasia anemones (when available)

Feeding:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Continue feeding after Aiptasia eliminated
• Captive-bred specimens accept all foods readily

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Very peaceful and non-aggressive
• Shy initially, becomes bolder
• Fascinating hovering and camouflage behavior

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with most peaceful community fish
• Avoid aggressive feeders and large predators

Reef Safety:

• Generally safe with most corals
• May nip some soft coral polyps or zoanthids (uncommon with captive-bred)
• Safe with invertebrates
• Primary target: Aiptasia anemones (desired)

Aiptasia Control

Effectiveness:

• Significantly reduces Aiptasia populations
• May completely eliminate small to moderate infestations
• Consumption rate: 1–5+ Aiptasia daily (varies)
• Not guaranteed 100% elimination

Realistic Expectations:

• Excellent natural pest control method
• May not reach every hidden Aiptasia
• Large infestations may require multiple filefish
• Combine with good husbandry to prevent reintroduction

Captive-Bred Advantages

Why Choose Captive-Bred:

• Conditioned to eat Aiptasia consistently (wild-caught may ignore them)
• Accept all prepared foods immediately
• Superior hardiness and disease resistance
• No wild collection impact
• Better long-term survival rates

Special Considerations

Critical Notes:

• Must provide ongoing diet – cannot live on Aiptasia alone
• Plan for feeding after Aiptasia elimination
• Monitor with high-value soft corals initially
• May be outcompeted by aggressive feeders

Best For:

• Reef tanks with Aiptasia problems
• Peaceful community aquariums
• Aquarists seeking natural pest control
• Tanks with varied diet availability

Success Factors: Aiptasia Eating Filefish offer practical biological pest control combined with peaceful, interesting behavior. Captive-bred specimens provide reliable Aiptasia consumption while readily accepting all foods for long-term health. Their small size (3–4 inches), peaceful disposition, and general reef-safety make them dual-purpose additions—addressing Aiptasia infestations while becoming personable aquarium residents. Success requires supplemental feeding throughout their life, especially after Aiptasia is controlled.