Red-Tail Filefish

dickjonesyo · 04/14/2014, 12:01 PM

Hi, I've had my 20g long tank for about 4 years now, recently my pink spotted watchman goby jumped ship (literally). So now I'm looking to replace him, I really want a red-tail filefish, I've googled them and have done a fair bit of research but can't get a very definitive answer on tank size, I've read a 20g long was suitable on another forum, but would like a second opinion. My tank consists of 2 black oscellaris clowns, and a green mandarin. Any feedback appreciated, thanks!

dickjonesyo · 04/14/2014, 01:15 PM

I also know they are slow swimmers/max out at 4".

syrinx · 04/14/2014, 03:44 PM

Thats a pretty small tank for one. They are slow swimmers to a point- but they tend to be always cruising around. Generally a 30 or 40 breeder is as small as I would go. That being said, if your tank is sparse with decoration- and you want to keep it as a specimen by itself, your tank should be able to maintain it from a fish mass/waste standpoint. I would not include it with the clowns and mandarin.

04/14/2014, 12:01 PM	#1
dickjonesyo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5	Red-Tail Filefish Hi, I've had my 20g long tank for about 4 years now, recently my pink spotted watchman goby jumped ship (literally). So now I'm looking to replace him, I really want a red-tail filefish, I've googled them and have done a fair bit of research but can't get a very definitive answer on tank size, I've read a 20g long was suitable on another forum, but would like a second opinion. My tank consists of 2 black oscellaris clowns, and a green mandarin. Any feedback appreciated, thanks!

04/14/2014, 03:44 PM	#3
syrinx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: champaign Posts: 3,160	Thats a pretty small tank for one. They are slow swimmers to a point- but they tend to be always cruising around. Generally a 30 or 40 breeder is as small as I would go. That being said, if your tank is sparse with decoration- and you want to keep it as a specimen by itself, your tank should be able to maintain it from a fish mass/waste standpoint. I would not include it with the clowns and mandarin. __________________ My views are based on 49years as an aquarist, 25 years as a pro reef consultant, 10 years of owning a LFS, and the results of thousands of customers tanks. But I am always learning.

04/14/2014, 01:15 PM	#2
dickjonesyo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5	I also know they are slow swimmers/max out at 4".