Unicorn Filefish

Aluterus monoceros

Named for the one modified fore-dorsal spine that the fish can raise or lower. (See photos #4 and 6 for the best viewing). They are one of the larger filefishes and seen less often that the scrawled or orangespotted because they are not known to hang around reefs, but seen occasionally in shallow water. These were in Hurricane Hole in the mangrove roots and felled trees. Travel solitary or in pairs, occasionally in groups of five or six. Live circumtropical (Bussing, W.A. and R.J. Lavenberg, ) 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 (Kuiter, R.H. and T. Tonozuka, 2001.). Feed on benthic organisms

Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros
Unicorn Filefish - Aluterus monoceros

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