Orange filefish
Pervagor melanocephalus
Family : Monacanthidae
The orange filefish is a small, colorful marine fish, highly prized for its bright hue and active behavior. It helps control algae in the aquarium.
Description
This fish has an oval, compressed body, with a bright orange background color and a darker head, hence its name. The first dorsal fin is an erectile spine. It reaches up to 12 cm. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other filefish. It often swims in pairs or small groups. Its diet is mainly herbivorous, grazing on filamentous algae. It may also accept meaty foods. In the aquarium, it is active and curious, constantly exploring its surroundings.
Habitat
Region :
Coral reefs, lagoons, reef slopes
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Ideal temperature 24–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025. A minimum 100-liter tank is sufficient for one specimen. Provide live rock with algae for grazing. Diet should be rich in vegetable matter (nori, spirulina) supplemented with small prey. It is compatible with most peaceful fish and invertebrates. Avoid aggressive or overly active fish. Moderate lighting and good water flow are recommended. Keep nitrates below 20 mg/L and phosphates below 0.1 mg/L.
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