| Family: |
Monacanthidae (Filefishes) |
| Max. size: |
31 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 200 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: New Zealand and Australia (southern Western Australia to New South Wales and Tasmania). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32-38; Anal soft rays: 31-36. Scales small with numerous tiny spinules, prominent first dorsal spine above eyes (Ref. 9002). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits rocky weedy areas from the shore to at least 60 m. Generally solitary but may aggregate in groups of 10-15 individuals in midwater. Feeds mainly on sessile and encrusting organisms, with sponges and ascidians predominating (Ref. 26966); also seen feeding mid-water on zooplankton and likes to bite diver's fingers (Ref. 9002). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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