Tilefish resemble some gobies but are actually from a different family, Malacanthidae. Like most of their goby relatives, tilefish are long and slender with smooth bodies and rounded heads. Tilefish grow larger in general; some species can get close to two feet in length although the most common aquarium species only reach about 4-6 inches. They are found higher in the water column but can quickly retreat into rockwork if threatened.
