Pervagor spilosoma (Lay & Bennett, 1839)

Common Name and Body Shape

Pervagor spilosoma, commonly called the fantail filefish, has a flat body with an asymmetrical head.

Body Coloration

Its base body color is tan, covered in black spots and dark lines, with a white area around the mouth.

Fin Coloration

The caudal (tail) fin is red or orange, while the soft dorsal and anal fins are yellowish, and the dorsal fin is distinctly yellow.

Adult Weight

Adults of this species weigh between 14.3 and 18.7 grams (0.50 to 0.66 ounces), and their brains weigh between 113 and 116 milligrams.

Geographic Range

This species is found in the Eastern Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island.

Habitat and Depth Range

It inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and regions with rubble and sand, occurring at depths ranging from 6 to 730 meters (20 to 2,395 feet).

Water Temperature Tolerance

It can survive in water temperatures between 41.9 and 83.4 °F, which equals 5.5 to 28.6 °C.

Aquarium Trade Rarity

Fantail filefish are rare in the aquarium trade.

Captive Aquarium Requirements

For captive keeping, an aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger is recommended, with water salinity maintained between 1.020 and 1.025.

Captive Acclimation Behavior

In aquariums, fantail filefish are typically timid when first introduced, but become accustomed to their new environment over time.

Captive Aggression Traits

They may become aggressive toward similar fish species.

Captive Enrichment Needs

They require good hiding places, so the inclusion of rocks or other decorative structures is beneficial.

Aquarium Compatibility

Reef aquariums and aquariums housing invertebrates are not suitable for this species, as fantail filefish will eat most types of aquarium invertebrates.