Slender Filefish

Monacanthus tuckeri is a species of fish in the Monacanthidae family in the order Tetraodontiformes.

Description

Body is laterally compressed, slender, and elongated. Variable coloration: shades of reddish brown to yellow-brown, brown or gray. Upper body is usually darker. The color can change to blend with the background. It usually has a white reticulate pattern, but these markings may become indistinct. Large dewlap (extendable belly appendage) usually has a yellowish edge with a submarginal blue line. Size up to 10 cm.

Distribution

Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Antilles. Reported from northern South America.

Habitat

Usually they live solitary or in pairs between gorgonians, sponges or near coral growths. Often they stay vertically in the water. Especially between gorgonians they are difficult to spot in this position. Feeds on algae and invertebrates.

Observations

It is harmless to humans.

Predators

It is preyed upon by the dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus).