Tilefish
The Tilefishes present a true challenge to advanced marine aquarists... sure, there are small species in this family, and yes... they do accept most all fresh, frozen/defrosted and dried-prepared foods... but these exotic piscines are so nervous of nature, so deft of rapid swimming AND jumping, not to mention most of them digging and diving into the substrate. In terms of historic survivability they collectively score low points, most dying within a few weeks of capture from damage in collection, cumulative stress... or JUMPING OUT.
This magnificent fish is only suitable for the experienced aquarist. It is often difficult to feed and may suffer from decompression-related illnesses (it may have trouble maintaining its position in the water column). Your chances of success are better if you acquire smaller individuals. They also do best when housed in pairs. It can also be housed with other members of the genus. This fish rarely behaves aggressively towards heterospecifics. Like all in the genus, it is prone to jumping out of open aquariums. Turning lights off and on gradually and keeping a night light on at night may help prevent them from jumping.
This red and white beauty is only suitable for the experienced aquarist. It is difficult to maintain and does best when housed in pairs or groups. It can also be housed with other members of the genus. This fish rarely behaves aggressively towards heterospecifics. Like all in the genus, it is prone to jumping out of open aquariums. Turning lights off and on gradually and keeping a night light on at night may help prevent them from jumping.
The Bluehead Tilefish is also known as the Starck's Tilefish, Blueface Tilefish, Blue Tilefish, and Blue Jaw Tilefish. The head of this fish is blue, and the body a pale yellow. A hardy fish, it needs a tank of at least 50 gallons with at least 3 inches of mixed substrate for burrowing, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. It prefers to associate with members of its own species as tank mates and needs a lot of swimming room for its very active lifestyle.
The Bluehead Tilefish has been known to spawn successfully while in an aquarium. A diet providing a variety of marine fish, crustacean flesh, and mysid or brine shrimp will give the Bluehead Tilefish the nutrition it needs when fed three times per day.