Longnosed Filefish (Oxymonacanthus longirostris)

Longnosed filefish or Oxymonacanthus longirostris is an odd shaped saltwater fish that is sometimes kept in an aquarium.  Also known as the Harlequin Filefish, Beaked Leatherjacket and the Orange-Green Filefish they normally don't last for a long period of time in the aquarium, but their bizarre appearance still makes them quite popular.  They also have a very particular diet, which makes them all the harder to keep alive.  You can check them out in an aquarium setting in the video below...

 
As you can see, they have the classic Filefish "file" that stick out above its head as a defense mechanism.  They also have an interesting mating process that you can watch in the video below...

If you have any additional information or care tips for Oxymonacanthus longirostris please leave us a comment.

Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus)

The Gray Triggerfish or Balistes capriscus is a species of Triggerfish that is often caught on a fishing line instead of in an aquarium, like a lot of other Triggers. These saltwater fish can weigh up to 13 pounds (5.9 kg) and can grow to about 30 inches (76 cm) in maximum length. They can live for about 13 years and go by a few different names including Leatherjacket, Filefish, Turbot and Pig Faced. Found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea in relatively shallow waters these fish are normally spotted in less than 180 feet (55 meters).

Gray Triggerfish have tough, leathery skin with two dorsal fins. They have spines on their dorsal fins that they use as defense. When threatened these fish will find a tight crevice in which they will wedge themselves. Their spines will lock into place and help them anchor in place.

If you have been lucky enough to catch and eat a Gray Triggerfish, you know just how delicious they are whether smoked, fresh or salted. Gray Triggerfish will normally feed on crabs, shrimp, sand dollars, sea stars and sea cucumbers. This saltwater fish has actually developed an interesting way of uncovering food. The Gray Triggerfish will shoot a stream of water at the sandy bottom to uncover sand dollars hidden underneath. If they don't find anything they will simply move a few feet and blow again until they find their next meal.  You can check out the Gray Triggerfish in the video below... 

Many different fish feed on the Gray Triggerfish including Amberjacks, Grouper, Marlin, Sharks, Tuna, Dolphinfish and Sailfish. If you have any questions or additional information about the this Triggerfish please leave a comment.

Matted Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus)

Matted Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) is a small saltwater fish that is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The bodies of this fish are normally brown, or tan in color with the classic Filefish horn coming out of the tops of their heads. Males of this species are almost always larger than females. They have a rather strange way of swimming as you can see in the video below...

Also known as the Matted Leatherjacket, Tomentosus Filefish, Aiptasia Eating Filefish and the Bristletail Filefish, they are often kept in an aquarium setting. They only grow to about 3-1/2" in length, so a tank of about 30 gallons or more should do just fine. The following water conditions are recommended, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. Once established, this fish is considered to be easy to care for and quite hardy. They are also excellent aiptasia eaters, which makes them a favorite among people with coral aquariums. A great way to get rid of these pests without having to use harsh chemicals in your tank!

Matted Filefish are rather shy fish that should be given plenty of hiding spots to keep them happy. They should be fed an omnivore's diet consisting of mysis shrimp, scallops, squid and marine algae a couple times a day in small quantities. Once established, a pair will breed in captivity under the right conditions.

Blackheaded Filefish (Pervagor melanocephalus)

The Blackheaded Filefish or Pervagor melanocephalus is found in the wild in places like Fiji and Hawaii. Over the years they have become a quite popular aquarium fish due to its striking appearance and the strange file like appendage that comes straight out of its head! They have bright orangish red colors with their heads black or gray, hence the name. Also known as the Colored Filefish or Redtail Filefish, this is just one of the over 100 different species of Filefish!

This fish is considered to be rather shy towards most other fish. The only time it can be aggressive is when it is kept with those in its same genus. They can grow to about 4" in maximum length so an aquarium of at least 40 gallons is recommended. This salt water fish should be kept at temperatures of 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, and a PH level of 8.1-8.4.
When you first purchase the Blackheaded Filefish it can be difficult to make him feed right away. A tip to consider is to embed shrimp into the coral in your tank. This way the Filefish can feed right off the coral. After they become acclimated with the tank they will eat squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill, and frozen marine algae. They are quite demanding and should be fed at least three times a day.