While they have a generally good record of being reef-safe, care should be exercised when adding these fish to a reef aquarium. Some are said to have occasionally “nipped” at clams, tube worms, zoanthids, mushroom anemones and various corals (often LPS types).

Are filefish safe in the reef?

While this is a tremendous benefit, they are not always reef safe and it is not uncommon for them to nip a both hard and soft corals. For this reason, some hobbyists will keep these fish in a refugium and offer them Aiptasia covered rocks separate from their main display.

Do filefish eat zoas?

This species is reef safe with caution, as some individuals may nip at soft corals, zoas, SPS polyps, fleshy LPS corals, clam mantles, and/or tiny ornamental shrimp. They do well in tanks 30 gallons or larger and are peaceful toward other fish species.