Inhabits clear coastal reefs and protected outer reef habitats with rich invertebrate growth . Prefers deeper reefs. Often in pairs . Sometimes solitary . Secretive, adults are usually in pairs .
Dorsal spines (total): 1 - 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 30 - 33; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30. Blackish brown or bluish black head and anterior portion of body, rest of the body orange. A black blotch surrounding the gill opening. Caudal fin orange; soft dorsal and anal fins yellow; first dorsal spine blackish brown. Pelvic rudiment large not broadly attached to posterior margin of ventral flap. Scale ridge rugosities of male usually develop at about 65 mm SL. Scale spinulation on midbody not closely packed.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Redtail filefish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 20 - 40 m , usually 20 - ? m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S West Pacific.
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acreichthys melanocephalus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Monacanthus melanocephalus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Pervagor melanocephalus melanocephalus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Stephanolepis melanocephalus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Redtail filefish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.