American Whitespotted Filefish
Cantherhines macrocerus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 2–40 m
- Max size: 46 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
White spots dot the body of this filefish, which drifts among gorgonians on coral reefs and rocky bottoms, usually in pairs. It grazes sponges, sea fans and algae and will even take hydroids and stinging coral. A small spine on its back locks the fin upright to wedge it into a crevice.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Monacanthidae › Cantherhines
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 276250.
FAQ
- How deep does the American Whitespotted Filefish live?
- The American Whitespotted Filefish (Cantherhines macrocerus) is typically found at 2–40 m.
- Is the American Whitespotted Filefish dangerous to divers?
- The American Whitespotted Filefish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the American Whitespotted Filefish get?
- The American Whitespotted Filefish grows to about 46 cm.