Description
The Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish is native to the coast of Japan where it swims in sea grass beds. Although, the specimens sold here are captive-bred by ORA. This fish has a brown body with an army of white spots that vary in size. The colors change depending on the mood and environment of the fish. Its irregular shaped body is distinct to Filefish. Its most prominent feature is its horn like dorsal fin that it uses to wedge in between the safety of rocks. The Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish can be kept in an aquarium as small as thirty gallons. It is a peaceful fish that will get along well with other fish. For this reason, avoid keep it with aggressive fish. Be sure to provide plenty of rock work filled with lots of holes, caves, and crevasses for the fish to hide in. This will encourage the fish to swim out in the open more. It is a hardy fish that easily adapts to a variety of different aquarium conditions. Although filefish are known for nipping at corals, ORA says they have not seen the Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish harm corals. It could be reef safe, but there is still the possibility that it could nip your corals.
Care Requirements
Purchase Size: ~1″ (length)
Feeding: Omnivore. Feed several times per day. When you can, feed live foods for a healthier fish.
Water Parameters: ~78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef safe: With caution. ORA has not seen this fish harm corals, but it is not definitively reef safe because it is a filefish.
Color: Brown body with white spots. Colors vary depending on the mood and environment of the fish.
More Information
There are several benefits to buying captive-bred Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish. They are hardier and more resilient to disease than wild-caught specimens. They are also better able to handle the stress of shipping and better adapted for aquarium life. There are also benefits for the ocean. By purchasing captive-bred fish, you are helping the ocean by discouraging the harmful wild-caught trade while supporting the captive-bred industry. This makes our wonderful hobby more sustainable.
