Where to buy Dusky-Capped Tilefish
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About Dusky-Capped Tilefish
Hoplolatilus cuniculus is a small tilefish with a dusky or dark cap on the head and upper body, contrasting with a lighter colored lower body and belly. The fish has a slightly elongated body shape typical of tilefishes, with a blunt snout and small mouth adapted for feeding on small organisms in the sand and rubble.
Key facts
- Min tank size
- 75 gallons
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
- Appearance
- Hoplolatilus cuniculus is a small tilefish with a dusky or dark cap on the head and upper body, contrasting with a lighter colored lower body and belly. The fish has a slightly elongated body shape typical of tilefishes, with a blunt snout and small mouth adapted for feeding on small organisms in the sand and rubble.
- Care Requirements
- • 75+ gallon tank minimum; larger preferred for burrowing behavior • Stable temp 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.3, salinity 1.023-1.025, calcium/alk maintained • Fine sand substrate 3-4" deep for burrow construction; rubble/caves for shelter • Carnivorous; feed varied meaty foods (mysis, copepods, small fish); may be aggressive toward small inverts • Nocturnal; low-moderate lighting acceptable; prefers dimmer conditions
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate difficulty. Dusky-capped tilefishes require stable water conditions, appropriate feeding of small meaty foods, and careful acclimation. They are sensitive to aggression from other fish and benefit from a tank with abundant sand and rubble for natural burrowing behavior.
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Feeding Schedule
- 2-3 times daily
- Diet
- planktivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet Details
- Feed small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, small amphipods, and high-quality prepared diets designed for tilefish. Dusky-capped tilefishes are microcarnivores that naturally feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans sifted from the substrate.
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and surrounding areas. Found at moderate depths on coral reef slopes and drop-offs.
- Common Health Issues
- Starvation if inadequate small-particle foods provided, parasites, stress-related illness from aggressive tankmates, poor water quality
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