AdvancedPeacefulReef SafeIUCN: Data Deficient
Blue-Head Tilefish
Hoplolatilus starcki
Family: Malacanthidae · Tilefish
Also known as: Starck's Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish
(c) Mark Rosenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
6"
Min Tank
75 gal
Lifespan
5-8 years
Origin
Western Pacific, Indonesia
Diet
Planktivore
Swims
Middle
Did You Know?
- Tilefish construct elaborate burrows that can extend over a foot deep into the substrate
- Mated pairs share a single burrow and take turns guarding the entrance
- They are one of the most prolific jumpers in the aquarium hobby — even tiny gaps in the lid can be exploited
About
The Blue-Head Tilefish is a visually stunning species featuring a brilliant blue head that gradually transitions into a yellow-gold body. This striking color combination, along with its relatively peaceful nature, makes it one of the most desirable tilefish species for the home aquarium.
In the wild, Blue-Head Tilefish are found on deep rubble slopes at depths of 25-70 meters, where they construct elaborate burrows in the substrate. They are rarely found far from their burrow entrance and dart back inside at the first sign of danger. This shy, burrowing behavior is maintained in captivity.
Keeping Blue-Head Tilefish requires a deep sand bed (4+ inches) for burrowing, a secure lid (they are notorious jumpers), and a calm, low-stress environment. They are sensitive to water quality and do not tolerate aggressive tankmates well. When properly maintained, they reward their keeper with beautiful coloration and fascinating burrowing behavior.
Feeding & Diet
Planktivore
A planktivore that feeds on zooplankton in the water column above its burrow. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped seafood. Feed multiple times daily in small quantities, as they have small stomachs and fast metabolisms. May initially be reluctant to feed.
Compatibility
peacefulreef-safeburrowerjumpershy
Blue-Head Tilefish are peaceful and shy, doing best with other calm, non-aggressive species. They should not be kept with boisterous or territorial fish that will prevent them from feeding or force them to hide constantly. Good companions include gobies, cardinalfish, and other peaceful reef fish.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
Tilefish form monogamous pairs in the wild and share a burrow. They are pelagic spawners, but captive breeding has not been achieved due to the challenges of maintaining pairs and raising larvae.
Special Requirements
- Deep sand bed (4+ inches) required for burrowing behavior
- Extremely prone to jumping — a tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential
- Very shy initially — provide a calm, low-traffic environment
- Sensitive to water quality — pristine conditions required
- May take weeks to acclimate and begin feeding
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.022–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
blue headyellow-gold body
Tags
peacefulreef-safeburrowerjumpershy
