Fantail Filefish

Pervagor spilosoma

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Filefish Family: Monacanthidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Fantail Filefish

General information

The Fantail Filefish is a stunning and very colorful filefish from Hawaii. Fantail Filefish have a mostly tan body with black spots and a yellow dorsal fin. Fantail Files also have a brilliant orange tail. Fantail Filefish can be aggressive towards other filefish in smaller tanks. To try to get around the aggression issue, try to introduce multiple Fantail Filefish at the same time and into larger tanks. Fantail Filefish will excel in fish only tanks with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish. If houses with semi-aggressive fish, it's a good an idea to have lots of live rock for your Fantail Filefish to hide in if they feel threatened. Fantail Filefish will also pick at the rock all day for small inverts between feedings.

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