Brachaluteres taylori Woods, 1966
Taylor's inflator filefish
Brachaluteres taylori
photo by Ryanskiy, A.

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea, Australia (including Lord Howe Island), and the Marshall Islands. Reported from the Chesterfield Islands (Ref. 11897) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-27. Adults are yellowish green with numerous thin dark brown lines and spots on the head and body. SL to 48 mm. Description: Characterized further by juveniles having mainly pale yellow color; nearly round and laterally compressed body, depth 1.1-1.3 in SL; upper jaw with three teeth and two on lower jaw; rounded caudal fin; capable of inflating abdomen (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Solitary among seaweed, hard and soft corals, sponges and crinoids. Inhabits coastal reefs in 8-35 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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