
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A charming fish with small mouth eating seaweed. Also valued for controlling Aiptasia anemones.
The filefish (Monacanthidae) are a diverse family of tropical to subtropical tetraodontiform marine fish, which are also known as foolfish, leatherjackets, or shingles. They live in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Filefish are closely related to triggerfish, pufferfish, and trunkfish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
10-25cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Seaweed, Frozen food, Artificial feed
Medium tank (120L+) recommended
Some individuals eat Aiptasia
Peaceful and easy to keep with others
May nip at corals, use caution
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
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Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Filefish is 23〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Filefish is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Filefish typically reaches 10-25cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Filefish feeds on: Seaweed, Frozen food, Artificial feed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Filefish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 12, 2026