Whitespotted Pygmy Filefish - Rudarius ercodes - Captive Bred (ORA)

This filefish is a tiny dwarf species that stays under about 3 inches as a full-grown adult. The body is covered with small white spots but the overall color and pattern can change depending on the fish's mood and surroundings. While all filefish may nip at corals and polyps, this species appears to leave them alone for the most part. They are naturally found in temperate (cooler water) seagrass beds and can tolerate lower temperatures. The fish offered here were bred and raised in captivity and can handle the higher temperatures found in most saltwater and reef tanks better than wild-caught counterparts.

Filefish are related to the "Triggerfish" common to the aquarium trade but are generally much more docile and peaceful in nature. Although they are compatible with most fish of a similar temperament, they are generally not Reef Safe and will pick at corals, polyps, crabs and other invertebrates. They are best kept in a peaceful, fish-only community aquarium.

Some filefish may be tricky to acclimate to an aquarium diet. Most will accept meaty foods like plankton, clams, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and similar items. Filefish have small mouths designed for picking food items from small crevices and they cannot eat large items. They may still pick at or attempt to eat crustaceans like shrimp however and may pick at or eat some corals and polyps.

ORA fish are bred by Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums, the largest marine ornamental fish hatchery in the world. They continuously develop new frags, inverts and fish and many are available in very limited quantities. We are proud to offer ORA's fish as part of our collection.