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 length and has the ability to rapidly change color and skin texture and patterns as to avoid detection and consequently predation. It is oviparous.
Description
On average, it ranges from 3.8 to 8.9 centimeters (1.5-3.5 inches) in length. It has 27-30 anal spines and 26-29 anal soft rays.
Distribution and Ecology
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 degrees Celsius (81.7-84.2 degrees Fahrenheit), a dissolved oxygen concentration of 4.51-4.59 mL/L (4510-4590 ppm), and a depth of 2–15 meters (6.6-49.2 feet).
Diet
It feeds on amphipods, polychaetes, and mollusks.
Human Interaction
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.
