Flashing Tilefish

[brubakron]

I searched the archives and only found a few pieces of information on the flashing tilefish. I have been looking for tilefish to add to my tank, and have an opportunity to purchase two of them for a great price. They have been at the LFS for over a week, and I watched both of them eat. They were out in the open. I am hesitant because I read that they are hard to keep. They would go into QT with a yellow tilefish and a sleeper banded goby. Anyone with any experience and keeping these fish in the long term? I am hoping that if I had two they would do better together. Thank for the input.

 

[caribfan]

I've kept purples and flashing tiles. In my opinion, the biggest hurdle once they are eating is keeping them in the tank. Monitor closely for flukes as well, both my tiles were infected pretty heavily. Post a video if you get them, they are truly one of natures wonders.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Flashing tiles have had a reputation for being difficult. But over the last few months I have seen more success in keeping them.

I personally have kept flashing tiles, as well as purples, blue heads, cuniculus, skunks, fourmani, and yellows. The biggest problem with tiles I have seen is gas bubbles in their swim bladders from improper decompression. If they have been at the store for a week and are not showing signs of this I would think you are in the clear. That usually manifests itself the first couple of days.

Also, the flashing tiles shouldn't be flashing too much. Flashing is usually done when stressed or excited. The more they flash the more stressed they are.

Keeping a pair is great. Tilefish are social in the wild, even with other species of tiles. The only thing to note is that I have found yellow tiles to be slightly more aggressive than other tiles. Nothing to serious, just showing its place in the hierarchy.

I hope all goes well, I definitely recommend getting them.

 

[brubakron]

Assuming the lfs still has them, which I believe they will, I plan to get them tomorrow. I will qtthem for 8 weeks, and treat with prazipro for flukes. I have lids (now) on my qt and display tanks, so hopefully I will be I the clear.

 

[brubakron]

I picked up the pair earlier today, and haven't seen them since they were put in, until a few minutes ago. They came out and ate - so I am pumped about how awesome these fish look. No aggression was notices from the larger yellow tilefish.

 

[ilikefish34]

How much flow should there be for Tilefish? Can they handle that of an SPS dominated reef or do they prefer/need a bit less?

Brubakron... good luck with your pair and please keep us updated!

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I've had my Skunk pair since about Father's day. Having a top is an absolute must! My screen is my canopy top, and these fish jump all the time. I've picked the them up after their feeding bolts landed them on the floor. Skunk's are quite irredecent. I can see how Purples are described as not being just purple, rather every shade of purple. Mine are so used to me that I can easily hold them in my hand, and are not at all shy. The only problem they have had is with what looks like an air bubble that developes over their eye that leads to swelling and protrusion. The female has had this develops twice, both times clearing up completely in 2-3 wks; my other has been battling this in an eye for about 6 wks now. These fish deserve a primer.