Description
Redtail Filefish (Pervagor melanocephalus / Redtail Filefish)
The Redtail Filefish is a distinctive and elegant marine species, recognised for its laterally compressed body, elongated snout, and vibrant red tail. Curious and intelligent, it constantly explores the aquarium and makes a fascinating addition to larger marine systems.
Compatibility:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Best kept with calm to moderately robust species such as tangs, wrasses, clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. Avoid housing with aggressive triggerfish or fin-nipping species that may bully this relatively peaceful fish.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe with caution. May nip at soft corals, zoanthids, LPS corals, feather dusters, and other sessile invertebrates. Best suited to fish-only aquariums or carefully monitored mixed reef systems.
Diet:
Omnivore – feeds on a varied diet including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine algae, sponge-based foods, and high-quality marine pellets. Feed 2–3 times daily to maintain good health and vibrant colouration.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 250L
Care Level:
Moderate – requires a mature aquarium with stable water conditions, excellent filtration, and plenty of rockwork for shelter and natural grazing. Newly imported specimens may require patience when transitioning onto prepared foods.
Top Tip:
Choose a specimen that is already feeding well before purchase. Providing a varied diet and plenty of natural grazing opportunities will help ensure long-term success and reduce the likelihood of coral nipping.
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