Matted Filefish (Aiptasia Eating) Captive Bred

Also known as the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish or Bristletail Filefish

The Matted Filefish is a uniquely valuable marine fish celebrated for its natural appetite for Aiptasia anemones, one of the most troublesome pests in reef aquariums. Native to the Western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, this small, peaceful filefish has become increasingly popular as a biological control method for Aiptasia infestations. Captive-bred specimens offer superior hardiness, guaranteed Aiptasia consumption (when properly conditioned), and immediate acceptance of prepared foods compared to wild-caught individuals. Their modest size, peaceful temperament, and fascinating behavior make them excellent additions to reef aquariums—with the bonus of natural pest control.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Acreichthys tomentosus
Common Names: Matted Filefish, Aiptasia-Eating Filefish, Bristletail Filefish
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 coral polyps (species-dependent)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (40+ gallons recommended)
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy, especially captive-bred

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found among coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky areas at depths of 6–60 feet. They use camouflage and remain motionless to blend with surroundings, often orienting vertically among coral branches or seagrass.

Tank Environment:

• Live rock with Aiptasia anemones (if being used for pest control)
• Peaceful environment with hiding spots
• Moderate water flow
• Standard reef lighting acceptable
• Established aquarium preferred (2+ months)

Water Parameters:

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

Essential Equipment:

• Quality protein skimmer
• Adequate filtration
• Standard reef equipment
• Regular water changes (10–15% weekly)

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood (primary diet)
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality omnivore pellets (supplementary)
• Fresh Foods: Finely chopped clams, squid, shrimp
• Natural Foods: Aiptasia anemones (when available)
• Plant Matter: Nori sheets, spirulina (occasional)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small portions consumed in 2–3 minutes
• Must supplement diet even when Aiptasia present
• Transition to prepared foods after Aiptasia elimination
• Captive-bred specimens readily accept all foods

Aiptasia Consumption:

• Captive-bred specimens conditioned to eat Aiptasia consistently
• Will actively hunt and consume Aiptasia anemones
• Consumption rate varies (may eat 1–5+ daily depending on size)
• Effectiveness depends on Aiptasia density and fish size
• Not a guaranteed complete solution – may not eliminate all Aiptasia

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Very peaceful and non-aggressive
• May be shy or timid initially
• Becomes bolder once established
• Fascinating camouflage and hovering behavior
• Often hovers vertically among coral or rockwork

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Clownfish, gobies, dartfish, firefish, blennies, cardinalfish, wrasses, tangs, angelfish, basslets, most peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Aggressive dottybacks, aggressive damselfish, very aggressive feeders
• Avoid: Large predatory fish (groupers, lionfish, large triggers), aggressive triggers, puffers

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept singly or in pairs/small groups
• Peaceful toward conspecifics and other tankmates
• Non-territorial
• May school with other filefish in larger tanks
• Safe in peaceful community reef aquariums

Reef Compatibility:

• Generally reef-safe with most corals
• May nip: Some soft coral polyps, zoanthids (species and individual dependent)
• Safe with: Most SPS, LPS, and soft corals; most invertebrates
• Target species: Aiptasia anemones (desired behavior)
• Monitor initially with high-value soft corals

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:

• Drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes
• Float bag for temperature equalization (15–20 minutes)
• Dim lights during introduction
• May hide initially but emerges within 24–48 hours
• Captive-bred specimens acclimate more easily than wild-caught

Health Considerations:

• Generally hardy, especially captive-bred specimens
• Can be susceptible to marine ich and velvet when stressed
• Quarantine 3–4 weeks recommended
• Watch for rapid breathing, hiding excessively, or loss of appetite
• May starve if unable to compete for food with aggressive feeders

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:

• Active during feeding time
• Clear, bright eyes
• Smooth skin with natural mottled coloration
• Eager feeding response
• Curious, alert behavior
• Natural hovering or vertical positioning

Color & Development

Coloration Characteristics:

• Body: Mottled tan, brown, gray, and white camouflage pattern
• Pattern: Irregular spots and blotches providing excellent camouflage
• Adaptability: Can slightly change coloration to match surroundings
• Fins: Transparent to lightly colored with slight mottling
• Tail: Distinctive bristle-like filaments at base of tail (bristletail)

Color Intensity:

• Coloration varies based on surroundings and stress level
• Healthy diet maintains natural pattern clarity
• Stress may cause temporary paling or darkening
• Camouflage pattern unique to each individual

Size & Growth:

• Captive-bred specimens typically available at 1.5+ inches
• Reach adult size (3–4 inches) within 8–12 months
• Relatively slow, steady growth rate
• Small, manageable size throughout life

Captive-Bred Advantages

Superior Hardiness:

• Already adapted to aquarium life and conditions
• More resistant to stress and disease
• Better survival rates than wild-caught specimens

Guaranteed Aiptasia Eating:

• Conditioned from young age to consume Aiptasia
• Consistent feeding behavior on Aiptasia
• Wild-caught specimens may ignore Aiptasia

Immediate Food Acceptance:

• Accept all frozen and prepared foods from day one
• No lengthy training period required
• Easier transition after Aiptasia elimination

Sustainability:

• Zero impact on wild populations
• Supports responsible aquaculture
• Healthier, less stressed specimens

Why Choose Captive-Bred Matted Filefish?

Captive-bred Matted Filefish offer an elegant, natural solution to Aiptasia problems while providing a fascinating, peaceful addition to reef aquariums. Their superior hardiness, guaranteed Aiptasia consumption, immediate acceptance of all foods, and peaceful temperament make them significantly better choices than wild-caught specimens.

Beyond pest control, these small filefish display captivating behavior including vertical hovering, remarkable camouflage, and curious personalities. Their modest size (3–4 inches), peaceful disposition, and general reef-safety make them suitable for a wide range of community reef aquariums.

The combination of practical pest control and interesting behavior in a hardy, captive-bred package makes Matted Filefish excellent dual-purpose additions. They address Aiptasia infestations naturally while becoming personable, entertaining residents once their pest control mission succeeds. For aquarists dealing with Aiptasia or simply seeking a unique, peaceful filefish species, captive-bred Matted Filefish represent an outstanding choice with realistic expectations and proper ongoing care.