Aquaria
Orangespotted Filefish

Orangespotted Filefish

NameOrangespotted Filefish
Scientific NameOxymonacanthus longirostris
Common NamesOrangespotted Filefish, Harlequin Filefish, Longnose Filefish, Beaked Filefish
FamilyMonacanthidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Red Sea, Samoa, Southern Japan, New Caledonia
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)4.7
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesPeaceful gobies, Blennies, Clownfish (certain species), Other non-aggressive, slow-moving fish

Description

The Orangespotted Filefish is a striking saltwater fish known for its elongated snout and vibrant coloration, featuring orange spots and yellow stripes on a bluish-grey body. It possesses a prominent dorsal spine that can be locked into an upright position. This species is highly specialized, primarily feeding on *Acropora* coral polyps in its natural Indo-Pacific habitat, making it very challenging to keep in captivity.

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