Bristletail Filefish
Acreichthys tomentosus
Also known as: Bristletail Leatherjacket, Bristle-tailed Filefish, Bristle-tailed Leatherjacket, Fantail, Green Filefish, Green Leatherjacket, Leatherjacket, Matted Filefish, Matted Leatherjacket, Seagrass Filefish, Seagrass Leatherjacket
- Bristletail Leatherjacket
- Bristle-tailed Filefish
- Bristle-tailed Leatherjacket
- Fantail
- Green Filefish
- Green Leatherjacket
- Leatherjacket
- Matted Filefish
- Matted Leatherjacket
- Seagrass Filefish
- Seagrass Leatherjacket
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found singly, amongst rubble, in seagrass beds and weedy areas, over shallow coral reefs. Colour and pattern variable, but usually has a dark V shaped marking on mid-side.
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.
How to identify
- Pattern
- blotches
- Body shape
- skin tags
- Behaviour
- camouflagedchanges coloursolitary
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.
- Range · Indo-West Pacific
- Exact location · 1
Found singly, amongst rubble, in seagrass beds and weedy areas, over shallow coral reefs.
Adult photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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