ORA Captive-Bred Aiptasia-Eating Filefish – Small (Acreichthys tomentosus)

Natural Aiptasia Control with a Personality

Meet the ORA Captive-Bred Aiptasia-Eating Filefish, a unique marine fish famous for its appetite for nuisance Aiptasia anemones. Also known as the Matted Leatherjacket or Bristletail Filefish, Acreichthys tomentosus combines unusual camouflage, peaceful behavior, and potential pest-control benefits in one fascinating fish.

Its mottled green, tan, and brown coloration can change depending on its environment and mood, helping it blend naturally into rockwork and vegetation. Adults reach approximately 3.5–4 inches, while this small ORA offering is approximately 0.5–1.5 inches at purchase.

Care Information

Scientific Name: Acreichthys tomentosus
Common Name: Aiptasia-Eating Filefish
Also Known As: Matted Leatherjacket, Bristletail Filefish
Breeder: ORA
Aquaculture: Captive Bred
Approximate Purchase Size: 0.5–1.5 Inches
Maximum Size: Approximately 3.5–4 Inches
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Specialty: Aiptasia Control
Reef Safe: With Caution

Aiptasia Control

Aiptasia-Eating Filefish are popular with reef keepers because many individuals will consume nuisance Aiptasia anemones.

However, Aiptasia consumption is not guaranteed. An individual fish may take days or weeks to begin eating Aiptasia, and some may never develop an interest in them. They are not specialized Aiptasia feeders and readily accept standard aquarium foods.

Reef Safe With Caution

This species should be considered reef safe with caution. Although commonly purchased for Aiptasia control, individual filefish may investigate or nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates.

Behavior varies between individuals, so the fish should be monitored carefully in a reef aquarium.

Feeding

Do not rely on Aiptasia as the fish's primary food source. Offer a varied diet of high-quality marine foods, including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped meaty foods, pellets, and other appropriately sized prepared foods.

Aquarium & Compatibility

Provide an established saltwater aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, and areas to explore. These filefish are generally peaceful toward other fish and make interesting additions to appropriately stocked marine systems.

Their ability to alter their mottled coloration and blend into their surroundings is part of what makes them so damn cool to watch.

Captive-Bred by ORA

This Aiptasia-Eating Filefish is captive bred by ORA. The supplier states that ORA fish from this listing ship directly from ORA facilities.

Live Fish Shipping

Live fish ship Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday via Priority Overnight in insulated packaging with appropriate temperature-control materials.

A flat $39.99 Live Animal Priority Overnight Shipping fee applies to all live animal orders regardless of order value.

Shipping may be delayed when severe weather, extreme temperatures, holidays, carrier disruptions, or other conditions could compromise animal safety.

Arrive Alive Guarantee

Eligible livestock is protected by our Arrive Alive Guarantee. DOA claims must be reported with clear photographs within 12 hours of carrier-confirmed delivery.

Live animals naturally vary in size, coloration, markings, and appearance. Product photographs are representative and may not depict the exact fish received.