Orange filefish
Pervagor melanocephalus
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| Salinity | 1.02–1.025 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
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.