filefish care sheet Members of the Balistidae family, filefish are closely related to triggerfish. They have rough scales and tiny mouths. The first of their two dorsal fins is a spine that can be locked in place. Recommended for more experienced marine aquarists. facts average adult size: 31/2 to 12 inches long, depending on species average life span: depends on species diet: omnivore minimum aquarium size: 29 to 50+ gallons, depending on species water temperature: 72 to 78°F specific gravity: 1.020 to 1.025 Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, refer to the Sources section or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. filefish Developed with and approved includes filefish species care sheet by a qualified veterinarian. diet housing normal behavior compatibility A well-balanced filefish diet n Keep in an appropriately n Usually solitary, but n Compatible with dwarf consists of: sized aquarium; provide sometimes found in pairs angelfish, anthias, n Food may be flakes, plants, rock and décor for or small groups; shy and basslets, batfish, pellets or frozen food. hiding places and plenty generally peaceful. blennies, boxfish, of room for movement. n Vary diet to ensure n Inhabit all levels of the butterflies, cardinals, proper nutritional n Live rock can provide a aquarium. clownfish, goatfish, balance. natural food source while gobies, hawkfish, hogfish, n Do best in quiet, non- also enhancing biological parrotfish, puffers and aggressive environments. feeding filtration. tangs. Can be compatible with large angelfish, Things to remember when habitat feeding your filefish: n Stable water quality damsels, lionfish, n Best to feed small and parameters are maintenance pseudochromis and amounts 3 times a day, critical to the health n Daily: Check filter, water wrasses. no more than fish will eat of aquatic life. If you temperature, specific n Check Petco’s Marine in 1 to 2 minutes. are unsure of your gravity and other Compatibility Care Sheet water quality, Petco equipment. n Thaw frozen food before provides free water for more information feeding. testing. n Weekly: Check water regarding your specific quality at least once a species. week. n May not be compatible n Monthly: Change 10 with all invertebrates; to 25% of the total may eat shrimp, crabs volume of water every and coral polyps. 2 to 4 weeks, or as needed. Introduce signs of a new inhabitants to the healthy fish aquarium gradually. n Clear eyes n Healthy appetite n Active swimming n Fins completely intact and undamaged Avoid overcrowded conditions, which are a major cause of stress and disease. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration. red flags common health issues n Loss of color or n Erratic swimming appetite Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action n Spots or fungus on Fin rot Frayed or disintegrating fins; Improve water body or mouth the base of the fins usually quality; consult your reddens. aquatic veterinarian n Listlessness for treatment. Marine ich Cysts on fins, gills and skin; Treat entire aquarium n Labored respiration labored respiration, excess with a commercial n skin mucus or pale skin. parasite remedy Cloudy eyes and improve water quality; freshwater n Weight loss dips can dislodge the parasites. If you notice any of these signs, check water quality and improve as necessary. shopping list for needed supplies q Appropriately sized aquarium q Appropriate food, dry and frozen q Décor q Water conditioner q Marine aquarium salt q Filter q Water test kit q Full spectrum lighting q Net q Thermometer q Protein skimmer (recommended) q Marine substrate q Heater q Hydrometer q Book about filefish sources Ask a store partner about Petco’s selection of books on filefish and the variety of private brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All private brand products carry a 100% money-back guarantee. Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Atypical Mycobacterium and Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your aquatic life or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for aquatic life and should consider not having aquatic life as a pet. Go to cdc.gov/healthypets and petco.com/ caresheet for more information about aquatic life and disease. This Care Sheet can cover the care needs of other species. Go to petco.com for more information. © 2016, Petco Animal Supplies Stores, Inc. All rights reserved. (06/2016).