Chaetodermis

Chaetodermis penicilligerus, also known as the prickly leather-jacket, tasselled leather-jacket or leafy filefish, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Monacanthidae. This fish is in the monotypic genus Chaetodermis.^[2] It occasionally makes its way into the marine aquarium fish trade.^[3]

Chaetodermis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Tetraodontiformes
Family:	Monacanthidae
Genus:	Chaetodermis Swainson, 1839
Species:	C. penicilligerus
Binomial name
Chaetodermis penicilligerus G. Cuvier, 1816
Synonyms
Balistes penicilligerus Cuvier, 1816 Chaetoderma penicilligera Cuvier, 1816 Chaetodermis maccullochi Waite, 1905 Chaetodermis penicilligera Cuvier, 1816

Description

The prickly leather-jacket is a medium-sized fish which grows up to 31 cm (12 in).^[3] The body is highly compressed laterally, stocky, the mouth is terminal; the head size is big proportionally to the body. Dermal appendages are visible mainly on the body's margin and also on the sides. They are part of the fish's camouflage system.

Distribution and habitat

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf and South Africa excluded, to the central islands of the Pacific Ocean.^[3]

The background coloration of the body is light brown or sand-colored with dark longitudinal lines and blotches outlined with blue. The prickly leather-jacket has two erectile dorsal spines. Its dorsal, anal and caudal fin are translucent but only the rays are a bit darker and visible.

Feeding

The prickly leather-jacket mainly feeds on algae and small marine invertebrates.

Behavior

The prickly leather-jacket is solitary and has a diurnal activity.