Experts Only - Tilefish
Tilefish are brilliantly colored marine fish with an active disposition and the inclination to do housework. Most aquarium species are burrowers, digging a home out from under rocks to use as cover from predators and a safe haven for sleeping. Some of the other species, like deeper water Red Sea varieties, create large mounds of rubble. Sometimes these mounds in the wild exceed 9 feet in diameter surrounding the mouth of the burrow and can be fairly elaborate.
Hoplolatilus Tilefish are the most common aquarium inhabitants due to their smaller size, and often colorful markings. A few are even capable of rapidly shifting their colors and markings. This “flashing” behavior is fantastically beautiful and while not actually producing light, it still creates a brilliant shimmer and occurs in the blink of an eye.
Varieties available for trade include the Blue Head (Blue Jaw) tilefish (H. starcki), Chameleon Yellow tilefish (H. luteus), Dusky tilefish (H. cuniculus), Flashing tilefish (H. chlupatyi), Purple tilefish (H. purpureus), Skunk tilefish (H. marcosi), and the Spotted tilefish (H. fourmanoiri).
Natural Habitat and Ecology
Hoplolatilus Tilefish are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea in the west all the way out the central pacific in the east. In fact, they are quite common and widespread throughout that region of the world. Most species of interest in the aquarium trade hail from Southeast Asia.
Generally considered coral reef species, Tilefish are most often found on sandy or silty substrates right at the base of the reef structure. This means that they are often found in deeper waters, sometimes over 100 feet. Tilefish tend to hover above their lair while they hunt for food. When they sense danger, they quickly retreat to their burrows until the threat has passed. Tilefish are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Many Tilefish are known to create stable, monogamous pair bonds for reproduction. The burrow houses both the male and the female.
Aquarium Care
Tilefish have been long considered difficult to keep in captivity. When collected using detrimental processes, many aquarists experience high mortality levels. However, at Quality Marine we obtain tilefish from reputable suppliers that insist upon ecologically safe collection practices. That being said,
Tilefish do require a high level of husbandry and should be considered by expert aquarists only.
They require both free swimming space and good cover. Water quality conditions should be maintained within typical marine aquarium ranges with stability of these parameters being of utmost importance. Because of their deep water origins, we recommend keeping these fish under low to moderate lighting conditions. Tilefish need a sandy substrate, at least 3 inches deep, allowing them to dig. Provide live rock or other solid structures to mimic the cover these fish would seek out in the wild. Be sure these structures are secure to prevent them collapsing as burrows are created. Though they are good community and reef-safe fish, they are often territorial towards other tilefish.
Due to their small size and relatively high activity level, they do best when fed small amounts multiple times daily. Their natural diet of plankton lends itself to the types of food commonly available to aquarists, such as mysid shrimp or other meaty morsels.
Though they do require some detailed care, Hoplolatilus Tilefish make for a stunning display in the home aquarium. With a stable aquarium system and good attention to feeding requirements, fish that are sourced well can live long, healthy lives in display aquaria.