Tassled Filefish (Chaetodermis penicilligerus) EXPERT
Also Known As: Tassel Filefish, Prickly Leatherjacket
Compatibility and Behavior
Few fish pull off camouflage quite like the Tassled Filefish. The mottled olive-to-tan body, long tassel-like skin flaps, and wispy filaments along the head and fins make it look less like a fish and more like a drifting piece of rockwork or macroalgae — it's a genuinely odd-looking animal in the best possible way. In terms of temperament, this species tends to be peaceful toward most mild-mannered, similarly-sized fish. Tangs, wrasses, and angelfish of comparable size generally make good neighbors. That said, it can become assertive toward other filefish or similar-bodied species, and very small or timid tankmates may not fare as well sharing space with it. This is not a reef-safe fish. It will typically pick at soft and stony corals, polyps, sponges, anemones, and small invertebrates including ornamental shrimp, snails, and crabs. Even in well-stocked systems with plenty of natural grazing opportunities, there's always a real chance it goes after sessile invertebrates — not a risk worth taking in a mixed reef.
Aquarium Requirements
The Tassled Filefish does best in a roomy, well-established FOWLR or fish-only setup with plenty of live rock for grazing and exploring. Smaller to medium size adults need at least 90 gallons, and larger systems are genuinely preferred as this fish grows and becomes more confident. Rock structures with caves, overhangs, and shaded spots are important — this species can be shy at first and benefits from having places to retreat to while it settles in. Keep flow moderate. Filefish are slow, deliberate swimmers and can struggle in high-current areas. A secure, tight-fitting lid matters here too, as filefish can jump when startled. Diet should cover both sides of the omnivore spectrum: meaty foods like mysis and finely chopped seafood alongside algae-based fare like nori, herbivore pellets, and whatever microalgae naturally colonizes the rockwork. Variety and consistency at feeding time go a long way toward keeping this fish healthy and less inclined to experiment on corals.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 3–4"
Diet: Omnivore — meaty marine foods and algae-based fare
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia to Japan)
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: No
Temperament: Peaceful; may be assertive toward similar species
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Pairs well with
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
Free shipping on orders over $199!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.