| Monacanthidae (Filefishes) |
| 18 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m |
| Indo-West Pacific: Indian Ocean, South China Sea, southern Japan. Reported from Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6771). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-30; Anal soft rays: 27-30. Description: Characterized by having highly variable colouration due to chameleon-like ability to change pattern depending on surroundings and mood; usually yellowish to brown with head and body covered with numerous brown to blackish spots and overlying pattern of large irregular blotches that can be intensified or subdued; shorter first dorsal spine compared to snout, origin of spine above middle to posterior half of eye; depth of body at level of origin of anal fin 2.5-2.8 in SL; concave snout profile; immovable pelvic spine, barely projecting beyond large ventral flap; relatively large and rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Inhabits shallow coastal algal reefs and estuaries. Sometimes solitary (Ref. 90102). Adults are often in pairs (Ref. 48637). |
|
Not Evaluated
(Ref. 96402)
|
| harmless |
|
The flesh is thin, hard, with a bitter taste, and may cause ciguatera poisoning and death if much is eaten. |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
Page created by Jen, 05.08.02,
php script by kbanasihan 06/09/2010 ,
last modified by
dsantos, 20/08/10
