Summary
Acreichthys tomentosus, commonly known as the bristle-tail filefish or Aiptasia-eating filefish, is a species of demersal marine fish which belongs to the family Monacanthidae and is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-west Pacific. It is a small fish that can reach a maximum size of 12 cm (4.7 in) length and has the ability to rapidly change color and skin texture and patterns as to avoid detection and consequently predation.[2] It is oviparous.[3][1]
| Acreichthys tomentosus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Monacanthidae |
| Genus: | Acreichthys |
| Species: | A. tomentosus
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| Binomial name | |
| Acreichthys tomentosus | |
Description edit
On average, it ranges from 3.8 to 8.9 cm (1.5 to 3.5 in) in length. It has 27-30 anal spines and 26-29 anal soft rays.[3]
Distribution and Ecology edit
It is found in the waters around Sri Lanka, Ishigaki island, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Queensland, New Caledonia, and Tonga. It inhabits shallow coral reefs, preferring sections of the reef which contain seagrass. It prefers temperatures of 27.6–29 °C (81.7–84.2 °F), a dissolved oxygen concentration of 4.51-4.59 mL/L (4510-4590 ppm), and a depth of 2–15 m (6.6–49.2 ft).[3][1]
Diet edit
It feeds on amphipods, polychaetes, and molluscs.[1]
Human Interaction edit
It is commonly kept in aquaria as a member of the clean-up crew for its willingness to eat Aiptasia anemones, a common aquarium pest.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Matsuura, K. & Motomura, H. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Acreichthys tomentosus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T69921254A115473596. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T69921254A70010065.en. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ Gumanao G.S., A.R. Bos & J.E. Randall (2018). "Seagrass Filefish, Acreichthys tomentosus (Linnaeus), a master of camouflage". Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 30: 58–72.
- ^ a b c "Acreichthys tomentosus" at the Encyclopedia of Life
- ^ Ulrich III, Albert B. "Caring For The Aiptasia Eating Filefish". Saltwaterfish.com. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
External links edit
- Bailly, Nicolas (2008). "Acreichthys tomentosus (Linnaeus, 1758)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species.
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2023). "Acreichthys tomentosus" in FishBase. November 2023 version.
- Photos of Acreichthys tomentosus on Sealife Collection