Matted Filefish

The a peaceful, hardy, and highly useful marine fish best known for its natural interest in pest anemones such as Aiptasia. With its subtle mottled patterning, curious behaviour, and excellent camouflage ability, this species brings both character and function to the marine aquarium.

Often called the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish, this species is a popular choice for reef keepers looking for a natural way to help manage unwanted Aiptasia in established systems. While individual results can vary, many aquarists value the for both its peaceful nature and its practical role in the aquarium.

This species is generally calm and easy-going, making it suitable for many community marine aquariums. It does best in a mature tank with plenty of rockwork, calm tank mates, and regular feeding. Once settled, it becomes an interesting fish to watch as it hovers through the aquarium, exploring rockwork and picking at surfaces.

The generally reef safe with caution. Most individuals are well behaved, although some may occasionally nip at soft corals, zoanthids, LPS corals, clam mantles, or fleshy invertebrates, especially if underfed. Keeping it well fed with a varied diet helps support good condition and settled behaviour.

Feed a varied diet including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine foods. Once Aiptasia numbers reduce, regular feeding becomes especially important.

A peaceful, practical, and character-filled addition to the right marine aquarium, the a great option for hobbyists wanting a hardy fish that may also help with natural Aiptasia control.

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore / Carnivore
Best Suited For: Mature marine and reef aquariums
Scientific Name: Acreichthys tomentosus