Acreichthys Tomentosus - Bristle-Tail File - Aiptasia Eater

$30.00
Sold Out

The Bristletail Filefish is the ultimate biological solution for one of the reef hobby's most persistent challenges: Aiptasia anemones. While its mottled green, brown, and tan camouflage allows it to disappear against rockwork and macroalgae, its utility in a reef system is impossible to miss. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, this species is a "utility player," prized for its methodical hunting of nuisance anemones that other fish simply ignore.

Beyond its work ethic, the Bristletail is a fascinating resident with a prehistoric silhouette, independent eye movement, and a retractable dorsal spine. It moves with a slow, hovering precision, investigating every crevice of the reef for its next meal. For hobbyists seeking a natural, chemical-free way to manage their ecosystem, this fish is a foundational addition.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore (Specialist Aiptasia Hunter)

  • Reef Compatible: Yes (With Caution—may nip at soft corals if Aiptasia is depleted)

  • Max Size: 4 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Husbandry Notes The Bristletail Filefish is an adaptable eater that will readily accept frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake or pellet food once it has cleared the tank of Aiptasia. While they are generally safe for reefs, they should be monitored as they may occasionally nip at Xenia, zoanthids, or large-polyp stony (LPS) corals if they are not well-fed. They are extremely peaceful toward tank mates and prefer an environment with plenty of rockwork and moderate flow.

Expert Shipping & Logistics We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Bristletail Filefish is the ultimate biological solution for one of the reef hobby's most persistent challenges: Aiptasia anemones. While its mottled green, brown, and tan camouflage allows it to disappear against rockwork and macroalgae, its utility in a reef system is impossible to miss. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, this species is a "utility player," prized for its methodical hunting of nuisance anemones that other fish simply ignore.

Beyond its work ethic, the Bristletail is a fascinating resident with a prehistoric silhouette, independent eye movement, and a retractable dorsal spine. It moves with a slow, hovering precision, investigating every crevice of the reef for its next meal. For hobbyists seeking a natural, chemical-free way to manage their ecosystem, this fish is a foundational addition.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore (Specialist Aiptasia Hunter)

  • Reef Compatible: Yes (With Caution—may nip at soft corals if Aiptasia is depleted)

  • Max Size: 4 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Husbandry Notes The Bristletail Filefish is an adaptable eater that will readily accept frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake or pellet food once it has cleared the tank of Aiptasia. While they are generally safe for reefs, they should be monitored as they may occasionally nip at Xenia, zoanthids, or large-polyp stony (LPS) corals if they are not well-fed. They are extremely peaceful toward tank mates and prefer an environment with plenty of rockwork and moderate flow.

Expert Shipping & Logistics We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.