Fan Bellied Leatherjacket Filefish

Leatherjackets should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves, cracks and crevices should be provided for grazing and hiding. Leatherjackets received their name because of the texture of their skin. They are slow swimmers, an aquarium with low water flow is required. Feed a well balanced diet of marine meaty and algae based foods. Leatherjackets may eat aiptasia and will pick at coral, algae, sponge, molluscs, crabs, snails and sea urchins. If not readily eating provide live adult enriched Brine Shrimp or Black Worms. Leatherjackets are generally shy and secretive and should only be housed with other peaceful fish.

Fan Bellied Leatherjacket are also sometimes known as the Fantail Leatherjacket. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Coloration will vary depending upon environment generally either a dark color or cream to tan color with irregular dark spots and stripes. Fan Bellied Leatherjacket can grow to almost 16".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH