Bristle tail filefish

[Mamaroneck]

They are suposed to be the ultimate weapon against Majanos...which have colonized my tank...
Anyone has experience of them ?
Very litle material available on the web...

Thanks

 

[Domboski]

I have three of them. What specifically do you want to know about them?

For starters, they ate all of my bristle worms and brittle stars and did a number on my shrimp. I haven't seen them mess with snails or hermit crabs. I've seen them pick at zoos but not any of my gorgs, leathers or other polyps.

 

[Mamaroneck]

Thanks Domboski

Yeah I am wondering about this fish, but it seems to do the work on the majanos which are damaging everything in my tank right now...

They had one in a wonderfull reef tank at the LFS, which tells me it must be Ok.

Why did you bought yours aptasia or majanos ?

Do you think that my two large cleaner shrimps will be ok ?

Thanks, you seems to be the only one who knows these fishes...

 

[Domboski]

I ordered a Tassled filefish and they sent three Bristle Tails instead. I placed the order so I felt responsible for buying the fish anyway. They are awesome fish as they can change texture at will. There is no doubt in my mind that they will take care of the Majanos but I also am just as sure they will kill your cleaner shrimp eventually. They go crazy for shrimp. Even though they have small mouths, they will keep biting the shrimp until it is injured and eventually till it is dead.

If you are still considering the filefish, I can sell you one of mine cheap. This way if it does not work out, you won't be out a ton of money and I will buy back for the same cost.

 

[Mamaroneck]

thanks a lot !

Appreciate greatly the input as there is litle literature available...

I comitted myself to the LFS (who effectively want a ton of money for it), so we got in touch 24h too late, and don't really want to go back on my word.

As I work in Manhattan, would appreciate to stay in touch to monitor the situation...

Tough for the cleaners, but I really have to get rid of the majanos, I have lost one very large clam, the second is about to die, and I believe that they bother close to everything in the tank...

Thanks for you help, I will keep you posted...

 

[Domboski]

No problem. Let me know how things work out.

 

[Awibrandy]

Re-home the shrimps please.:hug:

 

[Mamaroneck]

Re-home

As soon as I see anything illegal from the filefish, will do...promised!

 

[Domboski]

How did the filefish work out for you?

 

[Frank]

Hi, Does anyone know to buy this fish?
Thanks,
Frank

 

[Domboski]

I responded to your PM Frank

 

[yiliyang]

There is only one sure way to control majanos. I been plagued by it for a while now. The best defense against them is to pick them out one by one with a pair of twisers. The first time you go in, you get at least half of the majano out, then 12 hours later they inflate their foot that was in a hold, that is when you go in and finish it off.

It takes a lot of time and patience and clear arms to do it, but it is the safest way to go. Animal and chemical control will have very bad consequences.

Good luck.

I pulled at least 200 of those out of my 55.

 

[Domboski]

There is only one sure way to control majanos. I been plagued by it for a while now. The best defense against them is to pick them out one by one with a pair of twisers. The first time you go in, you get at least half of the majano out, then 12 hours later they inflate their foot that was in a hold, that is when you go in and finish it off.

It takes a lot of time and patience and clear arms to do it, but it is the safest way to go. Animal and chemical control will have very bad consequences.

Good luck.

I pulled at least 200 of those out of my 55.

That sucks. I wouldn't assume animal control creates bad consequences. The filefish have worked out great for me. No problems at all other than I can not keep ornamental shrimp. I've had them for quite some time too. No Aptaisia or Majanos. They cleaned out my tank in one night (3 total bristle tails in a 120).

 

[reefman]

besides shrimps, bristle worms and brittle stars , do they harass/kill anything else? i.e. sps,clams,dusters,lps,etc...

 

[Domboski]

besides shrimps, bristle worms and brittle stars , do they harass/kill anything else? i.e. sps,clams,dusters,lps,etc...

I have all of the examples you mentioned and haven't had a single problem. The clam I have has been with them for a few months but the dusters, LPS, SPS have been with them for a long time with no problems. Although I haven't had a problem I'd still be cautious with clams. They have never bothered my snails and hermits either. They do eat the brittle stars but they have not messed with my sand sifting starfish.

 

[Domboski]

Here is a pic of one of mine.

 

[ellebelle]

I recognize that picture.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Petco used to get these in as assorted file fish and sold them for 3.99 each. I used to get them as a treat for my angler fish. :eat:

 

[Domboski]

I recognize that picture.

You should, you took the picture LOL

 

[Domboski]

Petco used to get these in as assorted file fish and sold them for 3.99 each. I used to get them as a treat for my angler fish. :eat:

That's crazy :splitspin