Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish

[stscream4187]

Hey all,

I am beginning to plan for a new tank, which will be a reef somewhere between 250 and 350 gallons. I really love the Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish, especially since they are now captive bred by ORA. I want to start with a group of these and then plan my fish from there, but I am having a hard time finding information out there on these fish and their compatibility.

Does anyone have experience with these? If so, what have you kept with them successfully? What fish should I avoid as tank mates?

Also, I would love to get a group of them, maybe 9 or 10. Any issues with this from your experience?

And if you have a resource for information on these fish I would greatly appreciate it.

Other fish I am considering based on my likes:

Pair of clownfish
Sailfin Tang/Purple Tang
Emperor or Queen Angel
Anthias (still not decided species)

Thanks for reading.

Jeff

 

[eatbreakfast]

They are peaceful, stay small and are mostly reef safe. Some individuals may pick at clams, fleshy lps and polyps such as sympodium.

They tolerate conspecifics but are not social, so they won't interact much.

 

[Ron Popeil]

i have two in my 150 gallon reef tank. i adore them. they dont bother my corals (soft, lps or sps), my clams or my other fish. they occasionally chase each other, but only flash their colors and patterns. they are usually the first ones to the food. at night, they latch on to the branches of my purple whip gorgonian with their mouths and stay the entire night.

theyre really a great fish!

 

[4FordFamily]

I agree with the above but might add that you should be careful adding a very peaceful fish with angels that have a reputation for being bullies, like most large angels. Just know the risk. It may work out fine.

 

[stscream4187]

Thanks everyone.

Yeah, I have always loved/wanted a large angel. But that would be the last one I add so I will decide when I get there if it is worth the risk or not.

Ron - What other fish do you currently keep with them?

 

[4FordFamily]

Thanks everyone.

Yeah, I have always loved/wanted a large angel. But that would be the last one I add so I will decide when I get there if it is worth the risk or not.

Ron - What other fish do you currently keep with them?

I own close to a dozen angels, while that MAY help temporarily, the temperament will come out and if they wish to push around resident peaceful fish they absolutely will.

Again, not saying that's going to happen it's just a possibility. Generally it isn't recommended to mix aggressive/semi aggressive fish with peaceful fish.

 

[Ron Popeil]

chromis, clownfish, wrasses, tangs, pygmy angels, eel, hawkfish.....

 

[stscream4187]

I own close to a dozen angels, while that MAY help temporarily, the temperament will come out and if they wish to push around resident peaceful fish they absolutely will.

Again, not saying that's going to happen it's just a possibility. Generally it isn't recommended to mix aggressive/semi aggressive fish with peaceful fish.

Thanks, 3FordFamily. Do you have experience with either an Emperor or Queen with any peaceful fish? Maybe if I end up going bigger towards a 350 gallon this would be less of an issue.

chromis, clownfish, wrasses, tangs, pygmy angels, eel, hawkfish.....

Thanks, Ron.

 

[4FordFamily]

Thanks, 3FordFamily. Do you have experience with either an Emperor or Queen with any peaceful fish? Maybe if I end up going bigger towards a 350 gallon this would be less of an issue.



Thanks, Ron.

I have a Queen, Passer/King, Emperor, Blue Face, Rock Beauty, Flame, & Potters angels in a tank with a Moorish Idol. No issues, but there are lots of fish to spread aggression amongst. I consider my yellow belly hippo tang in the same tank as pretty mild mannered as well.

I wouldn't recommend a Moorish in this environment to someone else though, honestly. It has worked well for me thus far but I have a plan B and C.

 

[stscream4187]

I have a Queen, Passer/King, Emperor, Blue Face, Rock Beauty, Flame, & Potters angels in a tank with a Moorish Idol. No issues, but there are lots of fish to spread aggression amongst. I consider my yellow belly hippo tang in the same tank as pretty mild mannered as well.

I wouldn't recommend a Moorish in this environment to someone else though, honestly. It has worked well for me thus far though.

Great thanks for the help.

 

[4FordFamily]

Great thanks for the help.

It's what I am here for!

 

[Oldude]

Peaceful?
I have two and they fight amongst themselves and what's worse is they are killing some of my SPS colonies - eating polyps & flesh. I wish I had never bought them.

 

[stscream4187]

Peaceful?
I have two and they fight amongst themselves and what's worse is they are killing some of my SPS colonies - eating polyps & flesh. I wish I had never bought them.

Thanks, Oldude. I haven't heard that before about them. Did you purchase the ORA captive bred fish?

Also, I just looked at some of your SPS pics, unbelievable. Great tank.

 

[Oldude]

No so maybe that is my problem. Thanks for the compliment.

 

[Ron Popeil]

oldude, what species of filefish do you have then, do you know? is it the whitespotted pygmy from japan, or is it one of the small filefish species found around florida?