{"product_id":"blue-head-tilefish-hoplolatilus-starcki","title":"Blue Head Tilefish - Hoplolatilus starcki","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Head Tilefish (Hoplolatilus starcki)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Head Tilefish (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplolatilus starcki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is an elegant Indo-Pacific marine fish recognised by its brilliant blue head, yellow-green body and broad yellow tail lobes. Also known as Stark’s Tilefish or the Blue-Faced Tilefish, it inhabits deep outer reef slopes containing sand, rubble and broken coral, where pairs construct burrows for shelter. Peaceful and highly active once settled, this striking zooplankton feeder can make an impressive addition to a mature reef aquarium, but its nervous disposition, specialised burrowing behaviour and exceptional ability to jump require careful aquarium preparation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Head Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish, Stark’s Tilefish, Blue-Faced Tilefish, Blue Jaw Tilefish, Purple-Headed Sand Tilefish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplolatilus starcki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 15–16 cm in total length. Although relatively slender, this is an active open-water swimmer that requires considerably more aquarium space than its body size alone might suggest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the central Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor, the Mariana Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, northern Australia and surrounding Coral Sea reefs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt inhabits patches of sand, scree, broken coral and rubble on steep outer reef slopes, generally at depths of approximately 20–105 metres. Adults are commonly encountered in pairs hovering close to a burrow, into which they retreat rapidly when alarmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–27°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: 1.023–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful, shy and easily intimidated. The Blue Head Tilefish is best kept with calm marine fish that will not chase it, dominate its burrow or prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may be maintained singly or as an established compatible pair. Additional tilefish should not be introduced casually after one specimen has established a territory, as disputes may occur.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA carnivorous zooplankton feeder that naturally captures small crustaceans and other drifting organisms from the water column.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, calanus, finely chopped krill and high-quality marine flakes or small pellets. Newly imported specimens may initially respond best to live copepods or enriched live brine shrimp before accepting frozen preparations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed at least two or three small meals each day. Food should remain suspended in the water column, as this species is more likely to capture drifting particles than food resting on the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with a tank length of at least 120 cm preferred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA larger aquarium is advisable for a pair or when housing the fish with other active planktivores. The enclosure must provide both open swimming space and a substantial area suitable for burrow construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn active daytime fish that usually hovers above the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, moving into open water to collect drifting food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen frightened, it dives headfirst into its burrow with considerable speed. A settled pair may remain close together and share or maintain neighbouring shelter sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles are predominantly sky blue, while adults develop a vivid blue head and pectoral-fin base, with a tan to greenish body becoming increasingly yellow towards the tail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens may remain hidden for extended periods and can be particularly nervous under intense lighting or around boisterous tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Head Tilefish does not normally damage healthy corals and is generally compatible with clams, snails and most established ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, very small shrimps and other tiny crustaceans may be eaten. Its digging may also move loose rubble, undermine unsecured coral pieces or deposit substrate around low-positioned corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA completely secure aquarium cover is essential. Tilefish are exceptionally powerful and accurate jumpers, particularly when startled, chased or newly introduced. Every gap around cables, pipework, overflow boxes and feeding openings must be sealed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a substrate at least approximately 7–10 cm deep across part of the aquarium. A mixture of fine sand, small coral rubble, shells and smooth gravel allows the fish to construct a stable burrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll major rock structures must be positioned directly on the aquarium base or secure supports before substrate is added. Loose rockwork may collapse if the tilefish excavates beneath it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubdued lighting or shaded areas are strongly recommended, particularly during acclimatisation. The species naturally occurs on deeper reef slopes and may remain stressed in an intensely illuminated aquarium without sheltered areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide strong oxygenation, efficient filtration and moderate water movement that keeps small foods suspended without making it difficult for the fish to hold position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive tangs, triggers, large wrasses, territorial dottybacks and other boisterous fish. Persistent intimidation can cause repeated jumping, refusal to feed or prolonged hiding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfirm that the fish is eating before purchase whenever possible. Avoid specimens with a pinched abdomen, mouth damage, rapid breathing or weak, disorientated swimming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA carefully managed quarantine period is recommended. Include a covered container of suitable sand and rubble so the fish can retreat naturally during quarantine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46934203564205,"sku":"AG-104201","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46934203596973,"sku":"AG-104202","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46934203629741,"sku":"AG-104203","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlueHeadTilefish-Hoplolatilusstarcki.jpg?v=1785246869","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/blue-head-tilefish-hoplolatilus-starcki","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}