| Monacanthidae (Filefishes) |
| 31 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 200 m |
| Indo-West Pacific: New Zealand and Australia (southern Western Australia to New South Wales and Tasmania). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32-38; Anal soft rays: 31-36. Scales small with numerous tiny spinules, prominent first dorsal spine above eyes (Ref. 9002). |
| Inhabits rocky weedy areas from the shore to at least 60 m. Generally solitary but may aggregate in groups of 10-15 individuals in midwater. Feeds mainly on sessile and encrusting organisms, with sponges and ascidians predominating (Ref. 26966); also seen feeding mid-water on zooplankton and likes to bite diver's fingers (Ref. 9002). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
|
Known from mainland New Zealand, the Kermadec Is. (Ref. 8879), Norfolk, Chatham and Stewart islands (Ref. 45524). Recorded from bottom trawls off the east coast of South Island (Ref. 58461). Widespread around the country, in rocky weedy areas from the shore to at least 60 m (Ref. 9258). Landed throughout the year (Ref. 8879). Voucher specimen(s) held at the NMNZ. Also Ref. 45493. |
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