Unicorn Filefish

Aluterus monoceros

Also known as: Leatherjacket, Rough Leatherjacket, Triggerfish, Triggerfish Durgon, Unicorn Leatherjacket, Unicorn Leatherjacket Filefish, Yellow-finned Leatherjacket

ALSO KNOWN AS

Leatherjacket
Rough Leatherjacket
Triggerfish
Triggerfish Durgon
Unicorn Leatherjacket
Unicorn Leatherjacket Filefish
Yellow-finned Leatherjacket

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015

Add a photo

Unicorn Filefish adult, photographed at Dayang Beach Dive Site, Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines — @blogie · Dayang Beach Dive Site, Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines · April 20121 / 8

Overview

Found singly, pairs or in small schools, under floating debris, over shallow water drop-offs and sand flats, close to deeper waters. Varies in colour with age.
Juveniles often close to large sea jellies

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

COLOURS

Pattern: spots stripes
Behaviour: camouflaged changes colour pairs schooling solitary

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

Habitat & where to find it

Range · Circumtropical
Country only · 8

LIVES IN

Found singly, pairs or in small schools, under floating debris, over shallow water drop-offs and sand flats, close to deeper waters.

RANGE

Circumtropical

Adult photos 8

Discussion 4

4 comments

Jim McKim· 23 Mar 2016
At 75 meters (as described above), this would be the longest true fish in the world. I don't want to be around a fish that is more than three quarters the length of a football field.
Helpful· 1
Ronnie Gilmore· 8 Oct 2015
Caught two of these South of Pensacola,Fl at Antares public reef in 122 ft water. Had no idea what they were and through back. Sure is one ugly fish!
Helpful· 1
fishx6Top Contributor· 24 Mar 2016
Thank you for pointing out the mistake!
Helpful
fishx6Top Contributor· 16 Oct 2015
Ahh, they are lovely!
Helpful