I may have made a mistake.........

[sterling]

Went to LFS today to get my water tested and to compare their results to my own. Found my iodine level very low, so bought a test kit to watch that.
Anyhow, I think I made a mistake and made an "impulse buy". i didn't want to get another fish, but............this little, 1 1/2 inch tassled filefish was SOOOOOO cute.
The salesperson that I normally deal with told me he would be fine in my tank, and she has said "no" to several other fish I had asked her about, so I trusted her on this one.
Now, after the fact, I come home and start doing some research and find that they are not always reef safe. Seems to be some differences of opinion regarding this, mainly due to size of fish, but does anyone have experience with these guys.
Sammystingray, I think you had one once in a FOWLR tank, but has anyone tried keeping a small one in a reef tank? i really hate the idea of having to take him back. He really is adorable. Looks like "Dennis the Menace" with the tassles sticking up on the top of his head

 

[sterling]

So no one has dealt with these little guys??
I can tell you he has one heck of an appetite

 

[maroonclownfan]

Filefish are in the same family as trigger fish. However, more passive. But a similar diet I presume.
From what I have heard, they may munch on corals and ornamental shrimp, so I have heard. And can get large.
This is not my personal experience, just thought I would pass along what I have been told.
MCF

 

[ophiura]

Care also has to be taken with fish that may pick on it...those tassles seem to look tasty to some things.

 

[sterling]

Thanks for the words of wisdom to both of you.
susan, heard from shedd the other day, basket star is doing well. i'm going downtown in a couple of weeks and plan on taking in the shedd with it's new huge reef exhibit and visit with the little trouble maker
and this little tassled filefish is doing fine. my other fish don't bother with him at all. but he does kind of keep to his own, except when it's time to eat.