Orange-Spotted File Fish - Cantherhines pullus

Orange-Spotted File Fish (Cantherhines pullus)

The Orange-Spotted File Fish is a distinctive and unusual marine species recognised for its laterally compressed body, textured skin and attractive orange spotting. Intelligent, curious and deliberate in its movements, it is best suited to larger established marine aquariums with plenty of secure rockwork and carefully chosen tankmates. As with many filefish, it should not be considered fully reef safe due to its potential to nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates.

Common Name:
Orange-Spotted File Fish, Orange-Spotted Filefish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cantherhines pullus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 20–25 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Orange-Spotted File Fish is associated with tropical reef environments where it inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas and reef slopes with access to both open water and substantial cover.

It spends much of its time moving carefully around reef structure while searching for algae, small invertebrates and other suitable food sources.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Orange-Spotted File Fish is generally not highly aggressive towards unrelated fish but may become territorial in confined spaces or towards similar species.

It is best housed with calm to moderately robust tankmates that will not outcompete it aggressively at feeding time.

Diet:
Omnivore

The Orange-Spotted File Fish feeds on a varied mixture of algae, small invertebrates and other reef-associated foods.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including marine algae, spirulina-based foods, frozen mysis, finely chopped prawn, krill, mussel and quality marine pellets.

Regular varied feeding is important to maintain healthy body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 400 litres

A spacious aquarium with substantial rockwork and plenty of open swimming room is recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Orange-Spotted File Fish is a deliberate swimmer that spends much of its time investigating rockwork and aquarium surfaces for food.

It often remains close to structure and may use caves, overhangs and sheltered areas when resting or disturbed.

Its unusual body shape and careful swimming style make it a distinctive display fish.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Orange-Spotted File Fish should not be considered reef safe.

It may nip at soft corals, fleshy corals, zoanthids, sponges, tunicates and other sessile invertebrates.

Individual behaviour can vary, but it is generally better suited to fish-only or carefully planned marine systems rather than conventional mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, strong filtration and plenty of secure rockwork.

A varied diet containing both marine vegetable matter and meaty foods should be offered regularly.

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the fish or prevent it from feeding successfully.

Monitor new specimens carefully to ensure they accept prepared foods and maintain body weight.

Because of its potential to sample corals and other sessile invertebrates, it is best maintained in systems where reef damage is not a major concern.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.