Pervagor spilosoma (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Fantail filefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 730 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including the Leeward Group; rare in Johnston Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 36-39; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 32-36. Head and breast bluish gray, body yellowish or white. Head with irregular, oblique dark lines merging with many closely packed spots on body; region of mouth plus the lips white. Caudal fin red to orange, with a black sub terminal band; soft dorsal and anal fins clear to yellowish. Pelvic rudiment large narrowly attached to blackish posterior margin of ventral flap. Scale spinulation on midbody somewhat longer, finer and more acute than other species; each scale with high transverse ridge; male scale ridge rugosities develop at about 75 mm SL.
Biology:  Inhabits coral reef areas (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic over rock, rubble and sand; juveniles epi- and benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on algae, small benthic invertebrates, and corals (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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