| Family: |
Monacanthidae (Filefishes) |
| Max. size: |
16 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: east coast of Australia, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, and the Marshall Islands. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797). Described as an antitropical species. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 1-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 31-34; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 27-31; Vertebrae: 19-19. A strong first dorsal spine armed with 2 rows of prominent, laterally-directed barbs. Posterior margin of ventral flap not attached to large and barbed pelvic rudiment. Distinguished by a bright yellow ring around the eye (Ref. 1602). Head and body blackish brown to pale, pinkish brown; blackish band usually encircling the snout; eyes and surrounding area bright yellow. Caudal fin generally orange; soft dorsal and anal fins spotted, clear or yellowish orange basally; pectoral fins clear, base blackish brown. Scales on posterior half of body with spinules, number increasing with age; adult male with scale rugosities |
| Biology: |
Uncommon species that occurs in coral and rocky reefs to a depth of about 15 m (Ref. 9710). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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