Pervagor melanocephalus

(Bleeker, 1853)

Red-tailed Filefish, Blackheaded Filefish

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean.

Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits deep areas containing soft corals and sponges, and rich in small crustaceans and usually found at depths between 65 - 130 feet (20 – 40 m) where it feeds upon benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, and having a reddish to orange body and dark grey head.

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: Pervagor

FYI: One per aquarium. Extremely shy.

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

May eat Aiptasia anemones.

May nip stony and soft corals.

Not safe with small crustaceans, snails, and crabs.

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: 60 gallons

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

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5