Unicorn leatherjacket filefish
📖 Overview
Occasionally in shallow water by steep drop-offs. Solitary or in pairs, occasionally in groups of five or six, at less than 10 m depth. Juveniles are pelagic, seen under floating objects . Benthopelagic . Adults and juveniles are rarely seen near reefs. Juveniles often with large jellies and these may bring them close to reefs and adults may nest on sandflats adjacent to reefs in deep water. At other times, the adults may form large schools under weed-rafts that usually form during the wet season . Feed on benthic organisms .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 45 - 52; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 47 - 53. Rudimentary pelvic spine disappears in large specimen . Snout convex in adults . Sandy to grey with small brown spots above; soft dorsal and anal fins pale yellowish to brownish; caudal membrane blackish brown . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Unicorn leatherjacket filefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Unicorn leatherjacket filefish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 80 m . Subtropical; 43°N - 39°S, 180°W - 180°E west coast of tropical Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic organisms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Unicorn leatherjacket filefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 154 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Unicorn leatherjacket filefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 39 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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