Yellow-spotted Tilefish – Hoplolatilus fourmanoiri

Tilefish resemble some gobies but are actually from a different family, Malacanthidae. Like most of their goby relatives, tilefish are long and slender with smooth bodies and rounded heads. Tilefish grow larger in general; some species can get close to two feet in length although the most common aquarium species only reach about 4-6 inches. They are found higher in the water column but can quickly retreat into rockwork if threatened.

Tilefish will usually accept a large variety of meaty foods with time and should be given a varied diet of items like shrimp, scallop, clam, fish flesh and similar items. They can be kept with other moderate-temperament fish but may become stressed with boisterous tankmates and may not feed. Stressed or frightened tilefish have also been known to jump from the aquarium so a secure, tight-fighting lid is important. Tilefish are often shy when first introduced to the aquarium and can be sensitive to transport and changes in water quality.

Although tilefish do not normally prey on corals, they need plenty of open swimming room and may be stung by some corals and other animals like anemones. They may also eat some ornamental inverts like crabs and shrimp. As such, they are best housed in an open fish-only system with rockwork to retreat to if threatened.