Chaetodermis penicilligerus

(Cuvier, 1817)

Weedy Filefish, Prickly Leatherjacket, Tasseled Filefish

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Indo-Malayan region to Australia, and north to Japan.

Size: 12 inches (30 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal weedy or seagrass areas in lagoons and usually found at depths between 6 – 50 feet (2 – 15 m) where it feeds upon benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade, and having a mottled greyish body with numerous tassels extending from various body areas.

Best maintained in well-established fish-only aquariums with, if feasible, lots of plant growth having a steady supply of naturally existing small live crustaceans to feed upon. Slow moving, and does not do well in aquariums with swift water movement. Requires peaceful tankmates, e.g., non fin-nipping species, as this is a slow moving and very shy species.

As to diet, should there not be enough naturally found live food to consume, target feeding may be necessary, and if so, should be fed a diet of finely chopped fresh or frozen meaty foods, e.g., krill, marine fish flesh, mysis shrimp, shrimp, scallops, squid, and clams and be fed twice daily. Even though basically a meat eater, some algae containing foods should be included in its diet and overall, should be fed three times daily.

May be difficult to get feeding, and if so try live adult fortified brine shrimp and black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus). Nevertheless, such foods are usually not sufficient to maintain this species.

Taxonomy:

Order: Tetraodontiformes

Suborder: Tetraodontoidei

Family: Monacanthidae

Genus: Chaetodermis

FYI: One per aquarium.

To discourage predators they can raise their first dorsal fin and/or grind their front teeth, i.e., incisors, producing a low-pitched growling sound.

Most species in captivity waste away from lack of proper diet.

Has an extremely abrasive skin and sometimes called 'leatherjackets' because of their skin texture.

May eat Aiptasia anemones.

May nip stony and soft corals.

Not safe with small crustaceans, snails, and crabs.

Human food fish in local areas.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore

Coral Safe: No

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5