Orange Fantail Filefish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 4"
• Minimum Tank Size: 45 gallons   • Water Conditions: 74-82° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Eastern Pacific
• Family: Monacanthidae   • Species: Filefish   • Aquarium Type: Fish Only

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The Orange Fantail Filefish is found in coral reefs around the Hawaiin Islands and is considered a hardy fish species that is well suited for fish only marine aquariums. It is also commonly known as the Hawaiian Filefish, Fantail Filefish, or Fantail Orange Filefish Hawaii within the marine aquarium hobby. While this species is one of the smaller filefish species (about 4 inches) it is not suitable for reef aquariums or those with invertebrates, as it will eat many types of invertebrates.

However, with the exception of others of its own kind and fish species with very long finnage, the Orange Fantail Filefish can be kept with most other marine fish species without problems. This species is brown and silver with an orange, black and yellow tail fin. It is a very flat shaped fish species with a distinctive body shape and vibrant coloration.

The Orange Fantail Filefish is rarely aggressive toward other fish species, with the exception of species from its own genus. It will also pick at the fins of fish species with very long elaborate finnage. This species is best suited for a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock, but that does not contain invertebrates.

The Orange Fantail Filefish will feed on a variety of sessile invertebrates and therefore is not suitable for the majority of reef aquariums. The Orange Fantail Filefish is one of the more desirable Filefish species for the home aquarium as it is very hardy, has distinctive coloration and stays relatively small.

The diet of the Orange Fantail Filefish should include a variety of shrimp, squid, scallop pieces along with mysid shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. Filefish in general need to be fed a mixed diet of foods 3 to 4 times per day. It is important to keep in mind that this species is a true omnivore and must be fed a varied diet that includes fresh or frozen herbivore preparations and meaty foods.