Redtail Filefish

Pervagor melanocephalus

Identification	Dark brown to black body with a brilliant orange-red tail that provides a vivid contrast. A roughened, sandpaper-like skin texture is typical of filefish.
Maximum Length	Up to 5 inches (13 cm)
Origin	Indo-Pacific — Red Sea to Hawaii
Minimum Tank Size	55 gallons
Reef Compatible	With caution

Behavior

A hardy, curious filefish with a distinctive tail color. Uses its long, retractable dorsal spine (the “file”) defensively when threatened. Generally peaceful but may nip at corals and invertebrates. Active during the day and rests vertically against rockwork.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore. Feeds on algae, tunicates, coral polyps, and small invertebrates. Offer varied diet of frozen mysis, marine algae, and meaty omnivore preparations. Aiptasia anemones are a natural food — useful for pest control.

Cautions

May nip at corals and clam mantles. Not reliably reef safe. Monitor closely in reef tanks.