Description

Also known as Horseshoe Filefish, Horseshoe Marked Leatherjacket, Leatherjacket, Purple People Eater, Variable Leatherjacket.

Found singly, pairs, or in large schools, in shallow, too much deeper waters, over off-shore reefs.
They feed on invertebrates and jellyfish.
Juveniles found sheltering around jetties and piers.
Length - 60cm
Depth - 0-120m
Eastern Indian Ocean - Australia

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/14547