Pastel Tilefish

Pastel Tilefish (Hoplolatilus fronticinctus) is a peaceful species that is reef‑safe. Admired for its gentle pastel coloration (often pale olive to bluish/greenish tones), subtle facial striping or violet/blue accents, somewhat stocky body (hence “stocky tilefish”), and elegant swimming above the substrate.

Males typically may develop slightly more intense facial coloration / stripes, possibly a more pronounced forehead hump and be more bold in displaying when paired or during feeding. (Note: specific male/female dimorphism info is scarce for this species.) Females/juveniles are generally smaller, more subdued in color, less face‑stripe contrast.

They reach about 5‑6 inches (≈ 12‑15 cm) in adult size.

They should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons (≈ 190 litres) or more for a single fish, especially considering their size, swim space, and substrate needs. 

Provide a deep sandy bottom (for burrowing), plenty of live rock with crevices or caves for hiding, open swimming space above the substrate, moderate cover (rock overhangs etc.), and a secure lid since tilefish are known to jump. 

Maintain stable water parameters: Salinity ~ 1.020‑1.025 Temperature ~ 72‑79 °F (≈ 22‑26 °C) pH ~ 8.1‑8.4

Diet should consist of a varied mix of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, small frozen foods; also some prepared diets once acclimated.

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.