Matted Filefish for aptasia, compatible with carpets?

[Tango451]

Considering adding a matted filefish to help control aptasias. Are they safe with carpets or is there a chance they might nip at them?

 

[TigeBell]

There is a chance. I had to take one out of my tank because it was nipping at my zoas. However, three weeks later I noticed that the anemone looked better and realized that the filefish was nipping at my anemone also.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

For what it's worth, mine doesn't touch either of my two BTA's. Each fish is different but for the most part I think they'll leave anemones alone.

 

[Tango451]

TigeBell, what kind of anemone do you have?

And yes, every fish is different. I'm trying to do as much research as possible because once it is in it will be hard to get out even though they are kind of slow because of the amount of hiding spots in rock.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I agree with you on the research, and I did lots of it before I pulled the trigger on getting a Matted File Fish. There were many times more positive than negatives where it was so low like 1 or 2% had something bad to say about their MFF.

So IMO and IME along with all of the research that I did, I say go for it.

Oh and FYI, they're not as slow as they appear to be. When they want they're quite fast!

 

[Indymann99]

My Bristle tail Filefish doesnt touch my RBTA (however my RBTA is quite large). the Filefish decimated my Aptasia problem... he ate well over 200 in about 1 week. He did take out Frogspawn and Hammer corals... :-(

 

[Tango451]

Thank you Dkuhlmann and thank you Indymann

When he took out the hammer and frogspawn was it after the aptasia were gone or during? And have you kept him in your tank or removed him after the aiptasias?

And it's exciting to hear a filefish taking out ~200 aptasia in just one week. I am 85% going to go for it. Just would love to hear from someone who might have had it with their carpet anemones and see if it nipped at them. Because I rather have aiptasia than have something happen to one of my haddonis or giganteas.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Mine is constantly picking at the rocks and I still have a few aiptasia present but like I said it leaves my two BTA's alone. I don't think they would bother any anemone to be honest with you. Mine loves to eat mysis and any frozen mix. It will pick up NLS pellets off the bottom of the tank as well.

If you are getting it just for the sake of eating aiptasia then don't get one. This was my original reason was to take care of aiptasia, but I've come to really like this fish. I would highly recommend them to anyone with a reef tank based on my research and my personal experience with them.

 

[davocean]

As mentioned they are all somewhat different but for the most part most do seem to eat the aptasia, then some began to nip at things we don't want.
People in my local area club often just catch them when finished eating aptasia and pass them on to other members in need, and some people just keep those that seem to be model citizens.

 

[ulli]

This on had a taste of my minimaxi after eating the aptasia.
Minimaxi still bears sign of it tho its 2 years ago...

 

[Tango451]

@Dkhulmann I also think they are an interesting fish and I would not mind having one, but my primary reason is for the aptasia.

@ulli does your matted file fish still live in your system? (Did he only go after your mini maxi once/ how big of a chunk did he take out of it?)

They are all pretty large carpets in my tank hosted by two cinnamon clowns (the female is pretty big and they go back and forth between carpets)... I wonder if the cinnamon clowns would defend the haddonis from the matted file fish?

I know it is a risk and just because one had a good experience it doesn't mean another wouldn't have a bad, but will give a bump in case anyone ever kept one with haddoni carpet anemones and could share their experiences.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I've read more good experiences about them than bad and for this reason I got one for my tank. My buddy who owns a side business of selling frags got one as well to control aiptasia in his frag tanks. No issues

 

[D-Nak]

I've been thinking about adding one to my DT that has 3 gigs and lots of pest nems. I am also considering trying a raccoon butterfly too. In this case, the only way to know is to try!

 

[TigeBell]

TigeBell, what kind of anemone do you have?

And yes, every fish is different. I'm trying to do as much research as possible because once it is in it will be hard to get out even though they are kind of slow because of the amount of hiding spots in rock.

Sorry, just saw this. I currently have a 14" gig

 

[OrionN]

I would try a CBB. My CBB eradicated all the aphasia from my DT. He also took out all my Medusa worms in the sand, and all the feather duster. Small price to pay for a nice fish that have great utility.

 

[olemiss reb]

Orion, the Copperband ignored your nems? I also have an aiptasia problem in my gig tank and have debated a Copperband or Longnose but have feared they'd go after the gigs too. Three Gigs total but the Occys only protect one.

 

[m0nkie]

I have the matted file fish and it leaves all my anemones alone.. carpets, BTA

but aptaisia control, peppermint worked for me. CBB and Filefish both failed..

I just kept the filefish because it looks so ugly.. it's like a swimming rock

 

[OrionN]

I had 3 CBB over the last 25 years. None bother Magnifica, Haddoni or Gigantea. None bother my clams either. All three eliminate aptasia from my tank.

 

[M Woodhill]

CBB is a better choice, workin well, lookin better, no nippin