Bridled Leatherjacket Filefish

The Bridled Leatherjacket Filefish (Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking coloration, intricate patterns, compact size, and unique body shape with an elongated dorsal spine. Males are more colorful, displaying distinctive blue stripes and spots along their bodies, often becoming more vibrant during courtship, while females and juveniles are generally brownish with subtler markings, making them less conspicuous.

Adults reach about 6 inches and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons. They thrive in setups that provide a combination of sandbed, live rock, hiding spots, and open swimming space, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) and a secure lid, as they are prone to jumping.

The Bridled Leatherjacket Filefish is omnivorous, with a diet consisting of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, high-quality pellets, and algae. With proper care, this species becomes an active and eye-catching addition to a reef or fish-only aquarium, offering both beauty and fascinating behavior.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.