Oreni Tilefish (Hoplolatilus oreni)

Kenya —
$450.00
$450.00 $500.00
Abstract

The Oreni Tilefish (Hoplolatilus oreni) is an exceptionally rare tilefish restricted to the western Indian Ocean. Its coloration is remarkably delicate with a luminous ivory body interrupted by vivid strokes of electric blue and golden yellow accents. Oreni Tilefish are believed to be gonochoristic and are expected to form pairs. Our specimens were collected in Kenya and have been fully conditioned to aquarium life and prepared foods. Every specimen is feeding at our facility before they ship, and comes with our 14-day Extended Guarantee.
Oreni Tilefish
Oreni Tilefish
Oreni Tilefish

Oreni Tilefish (Hoplolatilus oreni)

Besides image segmentation, resizing, and cropping, no other edits or touchups (such as adjusting contrast, saturation, etc) are performed. Images showing multiple fish together are intended to illustrate the pair and may not accurately represent their relative sizes. For non-WYSIWYG listings, images are illustrative only and are intended to represent the general appearance of the fish offered, not the exact individual(s) you will receive.

Introduction

The Oreni Tilefish (Hoplolatilus oreni) is an exceptionally rare tilefish restricted to the western Indian Ocean. Originally described from a single specimen collected near Massawa, Eritrea, the species has subsequently been reported from the Gulf of Aden and is encountered only very rarely in the aquarium trade. Our specimens were collected in Kenya, near the southern extent of its presently known range. Very little is known in the scientific literature about this species.

Oreni Tilefish reach approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) in standard length and display a distinctive pattern of blue and yellow markings against a pale body. Like other members of Hoplolatilus, they are active, open-water swimmers that remain closely associated with burrows constructed in sand and rubble. A deep sand bed with abundant small pieces of coral rubble is strongly recommended so that the fish can construct a secure retreat.

The species is believed to be gonochoristic, meaning that individuals develop as either male or female rather than routinely changing sex. As in other Hoplolatilus, Oreni Tilefish are expected to form persistent male-female pairs. Single specimens can nevertheless be maintained individually, and this listing is for one Oreni Tilefish.

Tilefish are accomplished jumpers and should be maintained in a completely covered aquarium. They are generally peaceful and are best housed with non-aggressive tankmates that will not prevent them from feeding or occupying their preferred burrow.

Methods

All fish sold by Decamicron Labs undergo our multi-stage conditioning procedure before release. Particular attention is given to parasite control, feeding stabilization, behavioral observation, and post-import recovery. Our Oreni tilefish are guaranteed to be actively feeding prepared foods at our facility. Reach out to us for a video.

Learn more about our process here and our guarantees here.

Important Notes

A secure lid is required for Hoplolatilus. We strongly recommend providing a substantial sand bed together with assorted coral rubble and small pieces of rock from which the fish can construct a burrow.

Due to the rarity of Hoplolatilus oreni in both scientific collections and the aquarium trade, relatively little species-specific husbandry information has been published. Recommendations are therefore based in part on the biology and established aquarium husbandry of other Hoplolatilus species.

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