The Randall’s Tilefish is a beautiful and peaceful reef fish admired for its elongated body, vibrant coloration, and fascinating burrowing behavior. It does best in a mature saltwater aquarium with a deep bed of fine sand that allows it to construct and maintain a secure burrow. Provide plenty of open swimming space above the substrate and stable, well-oxygenated water with temperatures around 74–80°F. A tightly secured lid is essential, as tilefish are powerful jumpers, especially when newly introduced or startled. Randall’s Tilefish are planktivores that spend much of their day hovering above their burrow and picking small food items from the water column. Feed a varied diet of Gamma mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine Nutramar pellets or flakes several times throughout the day. They are generally peaceful and reef-safe, making them excellent community inhabitants when housed with compatible tankmates. Providing a secure burrow and plenty of food will help this shy species settle in and display its natural behavior.
