Fantail Filefish, also known by its scientific name Pervagor spilosoma, is a type of filefish that belongs to the Monacanthidae family. Sometimes, people keep this fish in aquariums.
Fantail Filefish lives near the ocean floor over rocks, rubble, and sand. Younger fish swim near the surface and bottom of the water.
It eats algae, small animals on the ocean floor (benthic invertebrates), and corals. However, it’s not safe for coral reefs because it may cause damage to them.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Fantail Filefish Interesting Facts
- Fantail Filefish inhabit coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific and the Hawaiian Islands but are rarely seen around Johnston Island.
- Growing up to 7.1 inches (18.0 centimeters) long, they live near ocean floors and feed on algae, benthic invertebrates, and corals.
- Their colorful appearance includes a bluish-gray head, a yellowish or white body, and a red or orange tail fin with a black band.
- Males develop unique rough ridges on their scales when reaching about 75 mm in length.
Fantail Filefish Habitat
Fantail Filefish is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It commonly lives around the Hawaiian Islands, including the Leeward Group, but it’s rare in Johnston Island.
This fish is found in marine environments and typically lives near reefs. It’s found at depths of 6 to 730 meters (about 20 to 2,395 feet).
Fantail Filefish thrives in tropical waters between latitudes of 30°N to 15°N.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Fantail Filefish Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.1 inches (18.0 centimeters)
Fantail Filefish grows up to 7.1 inches (18.0 centimeters) long. It has one dorsal spine and 36 to 39 dorsal soft rays. There are no anal spines, but it has 32 to 36 anal soft rays.
The head and breast of this fish are bluish-gray, while the body is yellowish or white. The head has dark lines and spots. The mouth area and lips are white.
The tail fin is red or orange with a black band near the end, while the other fins can be clear or yellowish in color.
Fantail Filefish also has a large pelvic rudiment connected to the back edge of its ventral flap, which is blackish in color.
Its scales have unique features compared to other species. They have longer, finer spinulation and each scale has a high ridge across it.
Males develop rough ridges on their scales when they reach about 75 mm in length (standard length).
Fantail Filefish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Monacanthidae |
| Genus: | Pervagor |
| Scientific Name: | Pervagor spilosoma |
| Also Known As: | Fantail Filefish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |