Blueface Tilefish

Blueface Tilefish: The Bluehead Flasher

The Blueface Tilefish (Hoplolatilus starcki) is a beautiful and highly active marine fish prized for its striking coloration: a vibrant cobalt blue head that contrasts sharply with a pale yellow or yellowish-white body and tail. It is also known as the Stark's Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish, or Purplehead Tilefish.

Native to the deep reef slopes and rubble areas of the Indo-Pacific, this species is a fast and constant swimmer, spending its days hovering mid-water to ambush zooplankton. Its key behavior is its ability to quickly dart, head-first, into a burrow it excavates in the sand or under rubble when threatened. This burrow serves as a crucial overnight shelter and a safe haven when stressed.

The Blueface Tilefish is considered a moderate-care fish due to its shy nature, sensitivity to stress (especially during transport and acclimation), and the need for frequent feeding. Because they are notorious for jumping when startled, a tight-fitting aquarium lid is absolutely essential for their successful, long-term care.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Carnivore that feeds primarily on zooplankton from the water column. In the aquarium, their diet must consist of small, meaty foods like frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched Brine shrimp, and finely chopped crustacean flesh.
• Feeding: Due to their fast metabolism and need to compete in the water column, they require frequent feeding, ideally 2 to 3 times per day, especially when newly introduced to the tank. They will rarely, if ever, feed from the substrate.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe. It will not harm corals. However, like many carnivores, it may occasionally prey upon very small ornamental shrimp or tiny crabs, though this is less frequent than with more aggressive predators.
• Temperament: It is a Peaceful fish. It should only be housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish (like smaller tangs, wrasses, and anthias) that will not harass it or outcompete it for food. Avoid large, aggressive predators that will cause undue stress. They can be kept singly, in mated pairs, or in small groups in very large, established aquariums.
• Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 50-75 gallon tank with a secure lid. The substrate must be a deep sand bed (at least 3 inches) with scattered rubble or stable rockwork to allow the fish to construct and maintain a secure burrow. They thrive with moderate to high water quality and plenty of open swimming space.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hoplolatilus starcki
• Primary Common Name: Blueface Tilefish
• Other Common Names: Stark's Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish, Purplehead Tilefish, Blue Jaw Tilefish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Western and South Pacific)
• Max Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Active, but shy)
• Diet: Carnivore (Zooplankton feeder)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50-75 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (With caution regarding tiny inverts)