Filefish Hovering near reef

Orange Filefish Care Guide

Glossary:

  1. Care Guide & Requirements
  2. Reef Safe
  3. Prices
  4. Food & Diet
  5. Facts
  6. Tank Mates & Environment
  7. FAQs

 

The Orange filefish (Aluterus schoepfii) is a popular fish among many aquarists. If you’re considering getting this fish and adding it to your aquarium, there are some things you should know about this species and what to expect.

In this care guide, you’ll find out more about the Orange filefish and what it’s like to care for this particular fish.

 

Is the Orange filefish reef safe?

While some species of filefish are suitable for a reef tank environment, not all of them are. This fish might nip at your coral and invertebrates, which is why you’re typically better off keeping these fish in a fish-only tank.

Orange filefish food and diet

This fish is pretty easy to feed and sticks to a diet consisting mostly of vegetation, including algae and seagrass. As a result, you shouldn’t need to worry about this fish going after others in your tank. On the other hand, this vegetarian diet is part of why it’s best to keep this fish away from a reef tank.

Orange filefish FAQs

Is the Orange filefish going extinct?

Unfortunately, this fish is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This is largely because of its dependence on coral reef habitats. Another factor contributing to this species’ decline is its sensitivity to warm water, which actually led to its extinction in Japan in the late 1980s.

Is the Orange filefish poisonous?

Like other filefish, the Orange filefish is poisonous when ingested. It’s not typically consumed by many, as it’s labeled a “trash fish,” but its flesh contains a toxin that can cause what’s known as ciguatera fish poisoning, which is an illness with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.

Are Orange filefish aggressive?

The Orange filefish is among the more peaceful fish out there. It’s generally quite shy and won’t attack other fish outside of other members of its own species. This fish does particularly well in large reef tanks with plenty of stony corals to provide shelter and hiding places if it ever feels threatened.

Orange filefish price

The Orange filefish is very affordable for the most part. You can find this fish on the market for around $30 to $40 at most shops, depending on the size and rarity.

Orange filefish facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Orange filefish you may not have known:

  1. This species is in the Wester and Eastern Atlantic, often over mud bottoms, sand, or seagrass.
  2. Although fishermen consider the Orange filefish to be a trash fish because of its poisonous nature, they’re popular in the aquarium market.
  3. The Orange filefish isn’t necessarily orange—it can take on many colors and patterns.

What other fish are the best tank mates for the Orange filefish?

Generally, filefish get along well with other fish species in a tank, but they may get feisty with other members of the same species along with other types of filefish. Also, these fish need ample space to roam within a tank, as they can reach a length of four inches when fully grown.

You may also want to keep this fish away from certain larger species of fish, including large damsels, triggerfish, surgeonfish, and angelfish. Putting this fish in with a group of potentially hostile fish could force it to go into hiding, which will prevent it from eating properly and lead to starvation.

Try to keep this fish with other friendly tank mates of a similar size and temperament, and you won’t likely have a problem.

Where to buy Orange filefish

Want to buy an Orange filefish for your aquarium? You can find them at many online shops, including the following:

The Orange filefish may be a great addition to your tank. With the right care, you’ll enjoy this and other larger species at an affordable price.