Orangespotted Filefish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Oxymonacanthus longirostris - (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
A gloriously pigmented fish that seldom feeds in aquaria, needing live coral polyps on which to graze. Scott W. Michael
Overview
This is a stunning fish but one that is best avoided because of its specialized diet–it feeds only on small-polyped stony corals. Even those that accept alternate foods usually live a very abbreviated life.
Family: Monacanthidae
Other common name(s):
- Harlequin Filefish
Native range:
Habitat: Near or among thickets of Acropora spp. branching stony corals.
Maximum length: 12 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: All levels.
Feeding
Feeds exclusively on the live polyps of Acropora spp. corals during daylight hours.
Reference: 101 Best Saltwater Fishes