Flashing tilefish

[TheShrimpNibbler]

I recently found a flashing tilefish for sale, and I was amazed at how beautiful they are even when not flashing. I’ve read that they are hard to keep fish because they don’t always adjust to captivity well. I wanted to know if anyone here had experience with them. I don’t plan to get one because it was quite expensive, but I still wanted to know a little more about them.

 

[eatbreakfast]

They are difficult to get settled. They are from deeper waters, so many have swim bladder problems. They are also VERY jumpy.

Once settled though they can be quite hardy. I had one that greedily ate pellets.

Their flashing is only done when stressed or agitated. When they are used to their surroundings they don't flash.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

They are difficult to get settled. They are from deeper waters, so many have swim bladder problems. They are also VERY jumpy.

Once settled though they can be quite hardy. I had one that greedily ate pellets.

Their flashing is only done when stressed or agitated. When they are used to their surroundings they don't flash.

Thank you very much! How long did yours live for? I read that they don’t usually last long in captivity because they don’t ship well, have a hard time transitioning to prepared foods, and people stress them so that they will flash. Has this been your experience with them?
It’s a shame that they are so hard to find and so expensive.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I had mine for about 3 years before a prolonged power outage caused me to lose most of my livestock at the time.

My experience beyond that one, is that most don't handle the stress of shipping very well. But if it survives the first couple weeks can be relatively hardy.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Thank you for your help! Maybe one day I will be able to get one!

 

[i cant think]

I had mine for about 3 years before a prolonged power outage caused me to lose most of my livestock at the time.

My experience beyond that one, is that most don't handle the stress of shipping very well. But if it survives the first couple weeks can be relatively hardy.

I know this is an old thread however, I’d love to know more in depth care. I have one reserved and don’t care about not flashing. Could I eventually add another tilefish of a different species after this is established? I just want this guy to thrive in my tank and not have it die. My stocking is classed as semi aggressive however all my guys are peaceful and don’t care about other fish being added. I’m getting rid of the Jade to make room for this flasher but also because she was being a bully to everyone else and I don’t want stress thrown on my other fish or new comers.