Chaetodermis penicilligerus
| Identification | A remarkable filefish covered in skin flaps and tassels over a mottled tan-and-brown, dark-lined body — superb camouflage that mimics drifting weed. Also called the Tasseled or Prickly Leatherjacket. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | 12″ |
| Origin | Indo-West Pacific |
| Minimum Tank Size | 75 Gallon |
| Reef Compatibility | Not reef safe. Picks at coral polyps, tubeworms, anemones and small crustaceans. |
Behavior
A slow, deliberate, hardy oddball that drifts among the rockwork relying on its camouflage. Peaceful and shy; needs a calm tank where it can feed without competition. A true conversation-piece fish.
Diet & Feeding
Mysis, enriched brine, chopped shrimp, clam and squid, in several small feedings a day. New specimens may need live foods to start.
Cautions
Shy, slow feeder — keep with peaceful tankmates. Nips sessile invertebrates.