Description

Also known as Blackbar Leatherjacket, Earspot Filefish, Earspot Leatherjacket, Gillblotch Filefish, Gillblotch Leatherjacket, Leatherjacket, Redtail Filefish, Redtail Leatherjacket, Red-tailed Filefish, Red-tailed Leatherjacket.

Found singly or in pairs, living secretively in and around crevices, bottoms of large coral formations, rocks and sponges, over shallow lagoons and seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.
They feed on benthic invertebrates.
Length - 14cm
Depth - 5-20m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Filefish can alter their colour and pattern to match their surrounds and so deter predators.
Although closely related to the Triggerfish, their "trigger spine" cannot be locked into place. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4368