Description

Here’s a full description and care guide for the Green Filefish (Monacanthus chinensis), a fascinating and unique marine species often kept by experienced saltwater aquarists:

🐠 Green Filefish — Description & Care

📌 Scientific Name: Monacanthus chinensis

📌 Common Names: Green Filefish, Fan-bellied Filefish, Leatherjacket

📌 Origin: Indo-Pacific — from East Africa to Japan and northern Australia

🔍 Physical Description

• Color: Olive green to grayish-green with dark spots or mottled patterns. Some individuals can change color slightly for camouflage.

• Size: Typically up to 30 cm (12 inches) in the wild; usually smaller in captivity.

• Body: Flat and oval with a sandpapery texture due to rough scales.

• Fins: Prominent first dorsal spine used for defense and display.

• Mouth: Small, perfect for picking at algae, corals, or invertebrates.

• Behavior: Curious but slow-moving. Can become territorial or shy.

🧪 Aquarium Care

🏠 Tank Size

• Minimum: 55 gallons (208 liters)

• Larger tanks recommended for full-grown adults.

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

🧼 Filtration & Quality

• High-quality marine filtration and protein skimmer are essential.

• Stable water parameters are crucial; filefish are sensitive to fluctuations.

🍽️ Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous

• Will eat:

  • Algae

  • Brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Chopped seafood

  • Some will eat coral polyps (use caution in reef tanks!)

• Feed 2–3 times daily.

🛑 Note: May nibble on soft corals, sponges, or invertebrates — not reef-safe in many cases.

👥 Compatibility

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial with similar species.

• Best housed with other peaceful marine fish.

• Avoid aggressive tankmates or very small fish/inverts.

🐚 Habitat & Decor

• Decorate with:

  • Live rock for grazing and hiding

  • Plenty of caves or crevices

  • Algae-covered surfaces (they may graze naturally)

• Enjoys roaming and inspecting every corner of the tank.

❗ Cautions

• Reef Tanks: Not recommended unless monitored closely — may eat corals and inverts.

• Handling: Like all filefish, they have tough skin and a stiff dorsal spine — handle gently and with care.

• Escape Artists: Secure lid — they can jump when startled.