FILEFISHES - MONACANTHIDAE
General:
Alutera scriptus reaches 1 m maximum length.
Most species feed on a wide variety of benthic invertebrates, but some specialize on corals or zooplankton.
Filefishes lay demersal eggs in a site prepared and guarded by the male or both parents. Some of the subtropical species release eggs in open water.
Usually two dorsal spines; the second is usually much smaller and it may be absent. Upper jaw usually with three teeth in outer and two in the inner series on each premaxillary, developed for nibbling; 19-31 vertebrae.
Alutera scriptus reaches 1 m maximum length.
Most species feed on a wide variety of benthic invertebrates, but some specialize on corals or zooplankton.
Filefishes lay demersal eggs in a site prepared and guarded by the male or both parents. Some of the subtropical species release eggs in open water.
Usually two dorsal spines; the second is usually much smaller and it may be absent. Upper jaw usually with three teeth in outer and two in the inner series on each premaxillary, developed for nibbling; 19-31 vertebrae.
Etymology
Greek, monos = only + Greek, akantha = thorn
Greek, monos = only + Greek, akantha = thorn
