ANIMAL: Bristletail Filefish Acreichthys tomentosus Type of Animal: Filefish Habitat: Seagrass areas, open sand areas, muddy areas, weedier inshore areas w/ seaweed/sticks/leaves, sand beds, shallow seagrass reefs, rock rubble areas, shallow coral reefs, found in waters of 6-98.4 ft depth Location(s): Indo-West Pacific Appearance: Small filefish species w/ mottled green/brown/tan coloration, males have bristle-like hairs on each side down tail base. Can change color based on mood/environment. Cryptic markings. Food/Diet: Aiptasia anemones, Majano anemones, soft corals, stony corals, shrimp, squid, bivalves, krill, algae, isopods, amphipods, seagrass, sea squirts, worms, fish eggs, fish larvae Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in aquariums & aquaculture. Captive breeding reducing demand for wild-caught fish. Lifestyle: Solitary or male-female pairs Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Fry Group: Pair Weight: Male: 6.5 oz Female: 6 oz Gestation: 3 days Life Span: 4-6 years Body Length: Male: 2-3.5 in Female: 1.5-2.5 in They’re masters of camouflage, using it to evade predators & catch prey. They can even change skin texture. These fish are very shy & docile but also rather curious. Uncommon in aquarium trade. Females lay around 300 eggs near substrate (especially in sand & on algae clumps) & defend clutch from other filefish as well as other species. Reach juvenile stage at 2 weeks old. Active during the day (diurnal). Not the easiest fish to breed in captivity. Fun Fact(s): These fish also called Aiptasia-Eating Filefish due to love of Aiptasia anemones. Other names are Matted Filefish, Matted Leatherjacket, Tomentosus Filefish, Bristletail Leatherjacket, Seagrass Filefish, Seagrass Leatherjacket, Green Leatherjacket, Green Filefish, Fantail, & Banded Leatherjacket. Often confused w/ other members of Acreichthys genus.
