Tassle Filefish - Chaetodermis pencilligerus

Tassle Filefish (Chaetodermis pencilligerus)

The Tassle Filefish is an unusual and highly distinctive marine fish recognised for its irregular body shape, mottled camouflage and numerous fleshy appendages that help it blend into reef, rubble and algae-covered environments. Its slow, deliberate swimming style and unusual appearance make it a fascinating display species. However, its feeding behaviour and tendency to investigate corals and invertebrates mean it is best suited to carefully planned marine aquariums and experienced fishkeepers.

Common Name:
Tassle Filefish, Tasselled Filefish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chaetodermis pencilligerus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Tassle Filefish occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific marine environments and is associated with sheltered reefs, lagoons, rubble zones and areas containing algae, sponges and complex reef structure.

Its mottled colouration and fleshy body appendages provide excellent camouflage among rockwork, vegetation and coral growth.

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 Tassle Filefish is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but may be shy around aggressive or highly competitive tankmates.

Its main compatibility considerations involve corals and ornamental invertebrates rather than other fish.

Diet:
Omnivore / Benthic Feeder

The Tassle Filefish naturally feeds on a mixture of algae, small invertebrates and other reef-associated foods.

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

Several smaller meals throughout the day are beneficial, particularly while the fish is becoming established.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 400 litres

Its adult size and need for established structure mean the Tassle Filefish benefits from a spacious aquarium with open swimming areas and substantial rockwork.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Tassle Filefish is a relatively slow and deliberate swimmer that spends much of its time close to rockwork, rubble and reef structure.

Its cryptic colouration and fleshy appendages allow it to blend effectively into its surroundings while searching surfaces for food.

Provide caves, overhangs and established rockwork together with quieter areas away from excessively strong direct flow.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Tassle Filefish should not be considered reliably reef safe.

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

Smaller ornamental invertebrates may also be investigated or consumed.

For this reason, it is generally better suited to fish-only systems or carefully planned mixed marine aquariums where some risk to corals and invertebrates is acceptable.

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

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the filefish or prevent it from feeding consistently.

New specimens should be monitored closely to ensure they begin accepting prepared foods.

A varied diet is particularly important for maintaining healthy body condition.

Secure aquascaping is recommended, especially with larger specimens.

Good oxygenation, stable salinity and regular partial water changes will support long-term health.

Suitable for:
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.