Skunk Tilefish (Hoplolatilus Marcosi)

Species Name : Hoplolatilus Marcosi

Care Level : Difficult

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Blue, Red, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5»

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Malacanthidae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons

Skunk Tilefish (Hoplolatilus Marcosi), the Redback Sand Tilefish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a tilefish belonging to the family Malacanthidae. It is native to the western central Pacific Ocean.

They have an elongated, white body with a very striking red line that follows the lateral line of the fish. The body, fins and eyes also have a slight blue tint that further adds to the appeal of this species. This species reaches a maximum overall length of 5 inches. It is a peaceful fish that will make a beautiful addition to any community aquarium.

It requires a 50-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room, and at least 1-2 inches of a sandy substrate for burrowing. May undermine structures in the aquarium. Best maintained fish-only aquariums with subdued lighting, yet can also be maintained in reef aquariums, with both having low rocky crevices and caves to hide in when needing to do so. Stressed or frightened tilefish have also been known to jump from the aquarium so a secure, tight-fighting lid is important. 

They prefer to be in pairs, and this will also aid in this species becoming comfortable in their new surroundings. If maintained with moderately aggressive tankmates, will remain in hiding during daylight hours and may not get its fair share of the food when its feeding time. If maintained with peaceful tankmates, will spend a good portion of its time in the aquarium open areas.

The diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as chopped pieces of marine fish and shrimp, and frozen mysis or brine shrimp. It is ideal to feed this species at least twice per day.

Size: Small: 2" to 3" Medium: 3" to 4" Large: 4" to 5"