Orange Body Filefish

(Pervagor melanocephalus)

Pervagor Filefish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Filefish are slow swimmers, an aquarium with low water flow is required. Plenty of rock work with plant life should be provided for grazing and hiding. Filefish are not reef safe and may pick at benthic invertebrates, stony corals, soft corals and has been known to consume aiptasia. Filefish are generally shy and should only be housed with other peaceful fish. If threatenedd Filefish are capable of grinding their front teeth together creating a low growling sound. Although Filefish primerally feed on a diet of meaty based foods fed twice daily the addition of algae based foods should be provided.

Redtail Filefish are also sometimes known as the BlacdKHeaded Leatherjacket. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Mainly a black to brown color with the back portion of their body being orange, irregular dark blue to black stripes on the orange to red caudal fin. Redtail Filefish can grow to a little over 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 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

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium