The Radial Filefish is a fascinating fish supremely adapted to life in the coral reef. The Radial Filefish boasts ornate cryptic markings that allow it to blend seamlessly among corals especially Xenia soft corals. In addition, the Radial Filefish is able to rapidly change color and patterning to effortlessly camouflage or conceal itself. Radial Filefish are thought to have a symbiotic relationship with Xenia soft corals (very similar in nature to the relationship between clownfish and anemones) in which the Radial Filefish receives a protective home amongst the pulsating Xenia polyps. In the wild Radial Filefish are distributed across the Western Pacific Ocean from the Ryukyu Islands, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and into New Caledonia.
The Radial Filefish should be housed in a well-established 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live rock, live sand, and plenty of hiding places. The Biota Captive-Bred Radial Filefish is a cautious and shy fish that rarely demonstrates aggression towards other fish except those of its own genus. However, multiple Radial Filefish can be kept in larger aquarium setups with minimal flare-up over territory our resources. Be sure to house the Radial Filefish with fish of similar peaceful temperament and avoid keeping with more aggressive fish. The Radial Filefish can be successfully kept in a reef aquarium with caution knowing that it may occasionally nip at soft and stony corals. The males are easily distinguished from females as male Radial Filefish demonstrate a cluster of bushy bristles/spines at the base of the peduncle.
Overall, the Radial Filefish is a peaceful and curious fish full of personality that occupies most of its time investigating and exploring its environment. The Radial Filefish uses its large rotating eyes to actively track any potential food items as well as predators and is often thought to observe the activities of their owners outside of the aquarium. Their quirky movements and curious personality provides hours of captivating entertainment.
The diet of the Radial Filefish should consist of a variety of meaty food and vegetable matter including shaved shrimp, squid, scallop, mysis shrimp, freeze-dried krill soaked in a vitamin supplement, and frozen marine algae. The Radial Filefish should be fed small quantities of food several times per day.