Honeycomb Filefish – Cantherhines pardalis

Honeycomb Filefish (Cantherhines pardalis)

The Honeycomb Filefish, Cantherhines pardalis, is a distinctive marine filefish with a laterally compressed body, small mouth, rough-textured skin and a beautifully patterned honeycomb or net-like marking across the body. Also known as the Honeycomb Leatherjacket or Wire-netting Filefish, this unusual species is best suited to spacious, mature marine aquariums with peaceful to moderately robust tank mates. It is an interesting and characterful fish, but it is not reef safe and should be chosen for fish-only or carefully planned FOWLR systems rather than coral displays.

Common Name:
Honeycomb Filefish, Honeycomb Leatherjacket, Wire-netting Filefish, Wire-net Filefish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cantherhines pardalis

Maximum Size:
Up to around 25 cm, though aquarium specimens are often seen smaller.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-Pacific. In the wild, Honeycomb Filefish occur around coral reefs, lagoons, seaward reef slopes, rubble areas and rocky reef habitats. They move slowly around reef structure, using camouflage and their flattened body shape while grazing algae, small invertebrates and sessile reef life.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable, mature marine water quality with good oxygenation is recommended.

Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Honeycomb Filefish are generally not fast or aggressive swimmers, but they may become territorial with similar filefish or timid tank mates if space is limited. They are best kept with calm, confident marine fish that will not bully or outcompete them during feeding.

Diet:
Omnivorous grazer. Offer a varied diet including marine algae sheets, spirulina foods, quality marine pellets, mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, krill, chopped clam, mussel, squid, prawn and frozen marine mixes. Natural grazing from mature live rock is useful, but aquarium foods should be offered regularly to maintain body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 400 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred as the fish matures. Provide open swimming space, mature live rock, sheltered areas and a stable aquascape.

Behaviour & Activity:
A slow, deliberate swimmer that spends much of its time exploring rockwork, picking at surfaces and moving carefully through the aquarium. Filefish may use their first dorsal spine to wedge themselves into shelter when resting or startled. They are not strong competitors with aggressive feeders, so feeding should be monitored closely.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe
Honeycomb Filefish may nip or feed on coral polyps, sessile invertebrates, soft corals, sponges, feather dusters and other decorative reef life. It is best suited to a fish-only or FOWLR marine aquarium rather than a coral reef display.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature, stable marine aquarium with live rock, hiding places and gentle to moderate flow. Avoid aggressive triggers, large puffers or fast-feeding fish that may intimidate it. Do not keep with ornamental worms, delicate sessile invertebrates or prized corals. Check feeding response before purchase where possible, and offer varied foods to encourage a strong appetite. A secure lid is recommended, as marine fish can jump when startled.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to experienced marine fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade / Specialist marine import

All 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.