American whitespotted filefish
📖 Overview
Inhabits coral reefs or rocky bottoms . Found among gorgonians. Occurs in pairs . Feeds mainly on sponges, gorgonians, and algae but also eats hydroids and stinging coral .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 34 - 36; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 29 - 32. Adults are brown, with or without many prominent white spots on body and head; caudal fin black with obscure curved median white bar and two indistinct white basal spots . Males are readily distinguished from females of about same size by the larger spines on caudal peduncle and by orange color of patch of setae anterior to the peduncular spines on males .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for American whitespotted filefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
These fish are omnivorous; although they eat animals like sponges, stinging coral and gorgonians, and algae.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for American whitespotted filefish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m , usually 3 - 20 m . Tropical; 33°N - 26°S, 99°W - 14°W
🌿 Ecology
sponges, gorgonians, and algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"American whitespotted 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 72 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for American whitespotted filefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | American Whitespotted Filefish · hook-tailed filefish · Whitespotted Filefish |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | lija de lunares blancos |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantherhines macroceros | Hollard | 1853 | Synonym |
| Cantherines macrocerus | Hollard | 1853 | Synonym |
| Monacanthus macrocerus | Hollard | 1853 | Synonym |
| Monacanthus parraianus | Poey | 1863 | Synonym |
| Monacanthus stratus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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