Filefishes (Leatherjackets) (Monacanthidae)
General data
- Main name: Filefishes (Leatherjackets)
Classification
- Order: Tetraodontiformes - Puffers and filefishes
- Class: Teleostei - Ray-finned fishes
- Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
Description
The filefish (Monacanthidae) are a diverse family of tropical to subtropical tetraodontiform marine fish, which are also known as foolfish, leatherjackets or shingles. They live in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Filefish are closely related to triggerfish, pufferfish and trunkfish. The filefish family comprises approximately 102 species in 27 genera. More than half of the species are found in Australian waters, with 58 species in 23 genera Their laterally compressed bodies and rough, sandpapery skin inspired the filefishs common name.