Cantheschenia grandisquamis Hutchins, 1977
Large-scaled leatherjacket
Cantheschenia grandisquamis
photo by FAO

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 29 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Capricorn Group to New South Wales, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 39-39; Anal soft rays: 36-36; Vertebrae: 19-19. Diagnosis: Relatively large scales on side of body with prominent outlines forming a reticulate pattern, each scale with many small spinules arranged in series radiating from a slightly larger central spinule. Soft dorsal rays 39, anal rays 36, pectoral rays 13. Color pattern consists of a dark brown to yellowish brown background with a patch of iridescent blue spots on side of throat and breast; a similarly colored line along basal sheath of both soft dorsal and anal fins, and upper and lower 4 rays of caudal fin dark blue, with a black bar along posterior margin, the remainder of fin yellow-orange (Ref. 35708).
Biology:  In sheltered coastal and offshore reefs. Uncommon (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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