Tassle Filefish

The Tassle Filefish, *Chaetodermis penicilligerus*, is a unique and captivating addition to the marine aquarium. Its body is covered in numerous fleshy appendages, giving it a distinctive, tassled appearance that helps it blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The coloration is typically a mottled brown, tan, and white, further enhancing its camouflage.

A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended to provide ample space for this fish to roam and forage. The aquarium should be well-decorated with live rock and other structures that offer plenty of hiding places, mimicking its natural reef environment. While generally peaceful, the Tassle Filefish may nip at sessile invertebrates, including corals and clam mantles, making it a less-than-ideal candidate for a reef tank.

Distinguishing between male and female Tassle Filefish is difficult, and breeding in captivity is not common. Their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other frozen or live marine invertebrates. They may also accept high-quality marine pellets and flakes. In the home aquarium, the Tassle Filefish typically reaches a size of around 8-10 inches.