Slender Filefish (Monacanthus tuckeri)

Also known as Leatherjacket, Tuckers Filefish

Description

Also known as Leatherjacket, Tuckers Filefish.

Found singly or in pairs, drifting vertically, and blending in with their surroundings, amongst the branches of gorgonians, over rock and sandy bottoms, of coral reefs. Colour varies to blend in with surroundings.
They feed on algae and invertebrates.
Length - 10cm
Depth - 2-50m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean

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/4283

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