Leafy Filefish

Description

The prickly leather-jacket is a medium sized fish which grows up to 31 cm. The body is highly compressed laterally, stocky, the mouth is terminal; the head size is big proportionally to the body. Dermal appendages are visible mainly on the body's margin and also on the sides. The background coloration of the body is light brown or sand-colored with dark longitudinal lines and blotches outlined with blue. The prickly leather-jacket has two erectile dorsal spines. Its dorsal, anal and caudal fin are translucent but only the rays are a bit darker and visible.

Distribution

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf and South Africa excluded, to the central islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

Often found in weedy areas of coastal reefs and trawling grounds. The flesh is good for human consumption.

Feeding

The prickly leather-jacket mainly feeds on algaes and small marine invertebrates.

Behavior

The prickly leather-jacket is solitary and has a diurnal activity.