Flashing Tilefish

The Flashing Tilefish (Hoplolatilus chlupatyi) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its incredible ability to rapidly change colors, displaying neon flashes of blue, green, yellow, and red depending on mood and lighting. Males typically grow slightly larger and display more vivid flashes during dominance or courtship, while females/juveniles are smaller with subtler coloration. They reach about 5–6 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons.

Provide a deep sandbed for burrowing, secure rock structures for shelter, and ample open swimming space, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A tight, secure lid is mandatory, as tilefish are notorious jumpers, especially when startled. Diet should consist of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen or pellet foods designed for carnivores/omnivores. With proper care, this fish makes a spectacular centerpiece species, admired for its constantly shifting, iridescent flashes of color that make it one of the most unique marine fish available.

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.