Filefish

Soft dorsal and anal fins very elevated anteriorly, the longest rays nearly as long as head; caudal fin double-emarginate, brownish gray with a large dark brown spot at base of pectoral fins (Ref. 13442).

Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 23 - 25

Common near drop-offs of seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Occasionally in shallow water. Solitary or in small groups in open water. Often associated with Sargassum (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on large zooplankton. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 13121.

Common near drop-offs of seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Occasionally in shallow water. Solitary or in small groups in open water. Often associated with Sargassum (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on large zooplankton. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 13121.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Feeds mainly on large zooplankton

Western Atlantic: Scotian Shelf to South America, but probably much more widespread

Common near dropoffs of seaward reefs.

nektonic