File Fish...What good or bad are they?

[sanannbassman]

Just purchased some tank cleaners. The guy I purchased from had a mess of File Fish (Looks like a trigger with a spike on their dorsal). Does anyone out there have experience with these things? They seem to like the taste of Escargo (sp.) My intent was to put them in there for a little while and then remove them when I was ready to stock, just so the kids would have something to see swimming in the tank. At least they were cheap. What else do these things eat? Thanks

[xtopher]

I wouldn't suggest you add those fish as they have a very low success rate JMO

[Geoff]

they tend to eat coral polyps. this is their main food source. the few people that keep them have very large systems where the file fish can not decimate a coral due to the fact there are so many in the system.

G~

[sanannbassman]

Thanks again for the advice. I will keep that in mind when I am ready to stock. I may have to introduce them to my giant tank in the yard at some point. I am keeping my eye on them rascals. They seem to be doing very well however. But maybe they can take care of themselves, so to speak.

[tdwyatt]

obligate coralivores

[ReelFreak]

I had one a few years ago, it didn't live very long. I caught it myself offshore in a weedline. It ate prepared foods, at that time I didn't have much coral in my system. I think it lived for about six months before jumping out of my tank.....it was about 1 1/2" long.

[Loverotties]

They have a short life.