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Tilefish are slender, elongated marine fish that dazzle with vivid shades of blue, purple, yellow, and even pink. They’re not only beautiful to look at, but they also have unique behaviours that make them stand out in any reef tank. One of the most distinctive traits of tilefish is their love for digging. These fish create small burrows in the sand, retreating into them when they feel threatened or stressed. It’s part of what gives them such character and charm. They tend to swim in the middle to lower areas of the tank and are known for their startlingly quick darts across the aquarium. They also have an impressive jumping ability, often leaping high if frightened, so a secure tank lid is a must. Despite being a little shy at first, they usually grow more confident in a calm, stable tank environment. With proper care, tilefish can live up to ten years in captivity, making them a long-term companion for any dedicated reef keeper.
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your tile fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Tile Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
reating the right environment for your tilefish is key to their long-term health and comfort. They thrive in a marine tank that holds at least 200 litres of water and has been properly cycled and matured. Water temperature should be kept stable between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius, with a pH level in the range of 8.1 to 8.4. Salinity should stay close to 1.023 to 1.025 to mimic natural sea conditions. As for water movement, a moderate flow is ideal — enough to keep the tank oxygenated but not so strong that it causes stress. Tilefish are burrowers by nature, so they need a deep sand bed, ideally around five to six centimetres, to dig and hide in. Your aquascape should include secure rockwork, as these fish can dart quickly if startled, and unsecured rocks could collapse. They also require a covered tank with no escape routes — these fish are infamous for jumping. Even small gaps can lead to tragic accidents, so a tightly sealed lid or mesh cover is essential. It’s also best to house them with peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates to avoid stress or hiding behaviours.
Feeding Your Tile Fish
Tilefish are generally good eaters and will thrive on a varied diet if offered consistently. In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton, so it’s a good idea to replicate this by offering them a mix of frozen and live foods. Options like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, and specially formulated marine carnivore pellets will keep them well-nourished. It’s not just about what you feed, but also how often. These fish do best when fed two to three times a day in small portions. Feeding them little and often mirrors their natural grazing patterns and prevents uneaten food from polluting the tank. During feeding times, observe their behaviour to ensure they’re getting their fair share and not being pushed aside by faster or more dominant fish. With patience and consistency, they’ll start associating you with feeding and will come out more confidently during meal times.
Health and Maintenance
Tilefish are relatively hardy once settled in a stable aquarium, but they can be prone to certain marine illnesses, particularly during periods of stress. One of the most common ailments is marine ich, which appears as small white spots on the body and fins. Other signs of illness include a loss of appetite, increased hiding, cloudy eyes, erratic swimming, or rapid breathing. You might also notice them scratching against rocks or sand in an effort to relieve irritation. To reduce the risk of disease, it’s wise to quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank. This allows you to observe them closely for any signs of illness and prevents the spread of infections. If your tilefish does fall ill, having a separate hospital tank can be a lifesaver. Use reef-safe medications and always follow dosage instructions carefully. Keeping water parameters consistent, offering a healthy diet, and reducing stress from aggressive tank mates will go a long way in keeping your tilefish healthy. Regular maintenance and weekly water testing are also essential to catch any imbalances early.
Caring for a tile fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own tilefish tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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