Filefishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Tetraodontiformes" and "Suborder Tetraodontoidei" as members of the "Family Monacanthidae" (Filefishes) consisting of 31 genera, and 95 species.

Filefishes somewhat resemble triggerfishes, with compressed bodies and a somewhat leaf-shaped body. They, as do triggerfishes, have an elongated first dorsal fin that can be erected when needed, however, their tail is not used for moving them forward. To discourage predators they can raise their first dorsal fin and/or grind their front teeth, i.e., incisors, producing a low-pitched growling sound. They are slow movers, do not do well in aquariums with swift water movement, and have extremely abrasive skin. They are sometimes called "leatherjackets" because of their skin texture. These omnivores are found in seagrass beds, where they consume plant material and any associated invertebrate they can find. Some species feed on sponges, coral polyps and/or gorgonians.