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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Natural Range: Indo-Pacific Region
Depth: 13 to 98 ft. Size: 4.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 20+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Small polyped stony coral polyps, especially Acropora, possibly small crustaceans
Natural History: The Orange Spot Filefish is normally found in clear lagoons or seaward reefs around large corals. It is most often observed in pairs or small groups, associated with large heads of stony coral. It is reported to feed exclusively on the polyps of stony corals, usually Acropora.
Husbandry: The Orange Spot Filefish will acclimate better in a large reef aquarium with a large growth of stony corals. It feeds on such corals. It is rarely reported to also feed on shrimp. Branching stony corals also provide necessary refuge when it is threatened or sleeping.
Reproduction: This species is reported to be monogamous, building nests near the base of dead corals, often on clumps of algae.
AKA: Harlequin Filefish