Description

Also known as Leatherjacket, Porky Filefish.

Found singly, or in pairs, over shallow rock, sand, and seagrass bottoms, of estuaries and coastal reefs.
They feed on benthic invertebrates.
Juveniles found over open oceans with jellyfish.
Length - 28cm
Depth - 0-18m
Widespread Western Indian Ocean

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/Stephanolepis-auratus.html