Filefish — Can They Handle High Flow?

[nickkohrn]

I understand that filefish come from areas where sea grass and soft corals are, and it seems that those areas are likely provided nutrition by less intense currents. So, I’m wondering if you have successfully kept filefish in an SPS system.

I love the way that filefish swim, and I like that some are k own to eat aiptasia. However, I don’t want to add one to a high-flow system only to have it struggle and/or perish.

 

[Peace River]

I understand that filefish come from areas where sea grass and soft corals are, and it seems that those areas are likely provided nutrition by less intense currents. So, I’m wondering if you have successfully kept filefish in an SPS system.

I love the way that filefish swim, and I like that some are k own to eat aiptasia. However, I don’t want to add one to a high-flow system only to have it struggle and/or perish.

There was a similar discussion thread from 2016 that you might find helpful. Good luck!

 

[BadFish619]

They certainly don't look like they can do they?! They are in the trigger family so probably tougher than they look. I would think if you had some lower flow areas in the aquascape for him to rest he'd be just fine.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I have three, in a 6’ tank with pretty strong flow. They love to hang out (rather motionless) by rocks, pieces of equipment, etc., so I’ve seen them power-through the flow to get to where they want to be, and then just chill in an area of lesser flow. I hope this observation helps you.

 

[DaveNJ]

I asked a question in another thread about compatibility of fishes for my next build. I have a 40b bare bottom, with mostly SPS and LPS, that is 4 years old and I am up grading to 75g. I asked are these fish compatible and which order to put them in the tank....firefish, mcCosker flasher wrasse, midas blenny and fairy wrasse. Never crossed my mind that the firefish may not be able to take the fast water movement

 

[Peace River]

I asked a question in another thread about compatibility of fishes for my next build. I have a 40b bare bottom, with mostly SPS and LPS, that is 4 years old and I am up grading to 75g. I asked are these fish compatible and which order to put them in the tank....firefish, mcCosker flasher wrasse, midas blenny and fairy wrasse. Never crossed my mind that the firefish may not be able to take the fast water movement

@DaveNJ - to be clear the question was about file fish, not firefish. As a rule, the filefish is going to be far more mobile and is better designed to handle current. The only place that I have ever caught file fish is in the grass flats and you know that you have something different when it shows up in your net - it is definitely a unique fish.

 

[DaveNJ]

Sorry misread filefish

 

[tkiry1]

I have a lot of flow....this guy does not mind it...

 

[JumboShrimp]

He’s a beauty!

 

[nickkohrn]

I appreciate all of the responses here! I may give one a try and just keep a close eye on it.

I have a lot of flow....this guy does not mind it...

Gorgeous fish!!

 

[tkiry1]

Thanks guys... Also had a clown file that loved flow...

 

[JumboShrimp]

What’s that other fish in the photo that your filefish is in with?

 

[tkiry1]

What’s that other fish in the photo that your filefish is in with?

Broomtail wrasse....

 

[tkiry1]

What’s that other fish in the photo that your filefish is in with?

Better pic of him....

 

[Feet4Fish]

Better pic of him....

Love the blue dot grouper! Great collection of fish!

 

[tkiry1]

Love the blue dot grouper! Great collection of fish!

Thanks you!!! What files are everybody interested in?

 

[Wandering Albatross]

@DaveNJ - to be clear the question was about file fish, not firefish. As a rule, the filefish is going to be far more mobile and is better designed to handle current. The only place that I have ever caught file fish is in the grass flats and you know that you have something different when it shows up in your net - it is definitely a unique fish.

Mine can’t seem to swim in any flow. Even with a single pump turned as low as possible without being off, he still gets pinned to the side regularly. He was supposed to help with my Aiptasia problem but instead he’s practically in hospice. The only lower flow area I can put him is my sump, which negates the whole point of getting him. Didn’t expect him to be such a poor swimmer…

 

[X-37B]

6 year old thread, lol. My file fish does well in my 150 acro system with high flow.
I

 

[Wandering Albatross]

6 year old thread, lol. My file fish does well in my 150 acro system with high flow.
I

Thread’s a thread, someone will see it eventually after they have the same problem lol

 

[JumboShrimp]

If it's one of the tiny specimens (like they tend to arrive at the LFS), I can see the thing getting blown around like a leaf. But when they grow to full size (full aquarium size that is) they typically have the mass and strength to not be too bothered by higher flow.