Randall's Tilefish (Hoplolatilus randalli)

The Randall's Tilefish is a visually striking and graceful deep-water species known for its elongated body and beautiful pastel coloration. Its shimmering shades of pale blue, lavender, and yellow make it an attractive and peaceful addition to large reef aquariums. However, like many tilefish, Randall's Tilefish can be shy and is known for its burrowing behavior, often retreating to a secure burrow in the sand or rockwork when it feels threatened. This species requires a stable, peaceful environment and is best suited for experienced aquarists.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum; larger tanks with plenty of live rock for hiding and open swimming areas are recommended. A deep sand bed is also necessary to accommodate its burrowing behavior.
• Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. A varied diet with high-quality frozen and pellet foods will help maintain its health and vibrant coloration.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; Randall's Tilefish is generally shy and non-aggressive, making it suitable for community tanks with other peaceful species. It may become stressed if housed with more aggressive fish.
• Skill Level: Advanced; due to its sensitivity to water quality and need for a secure environment, this species is best suited for experienced aquarists.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it a good choice for peaceful reef setups. However, its shy nature means it should be housed with non-aggressive tankmates and given plenty of hiding spots.

Special Feature - Burrowing Behavior and Secure Lid
Randall's Tilefish is a known burrower and requires a deep sand bed or loose substrate where it can dig burrows to retreat when stressed or threatened. It is also a jumper, particularly when startled, so a secure, tightly fitted lid is essential to prevent the fish from escaping the tank. Providing plenty of hiding spots will help reduce stress and make the fish feel more secure.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Randall's Tilefish features a pale, iridescent blue body with subtle lavender and yellow highlights. Its elongated body and graceful swimming make it an elegant addition to any aquarium. The pastel coloration becomes more vibrant under proper lighting, enhancing its visual appeal​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Randall's Tilefish is typically found in deeper waters near coral reefs. It prefers areas with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocky crevices or burrows in the sand, where it can retreat when feeling threatened.