Stephanolepis hispudis

(Planehead Filefish)

Size

Maximum size 23cm (9")

Recognition Characters

Deep, Compressed body; small mouth; lacks distinct pelvic fins; prominent spine on the pelvic bone; two dorsal spines;small scales with sandpaper-like skin; has more than 30 rays on the dorsal and anal fins.`

Color

Gray to tan with irregular markings; some males have an elongated, greenish-yellow first dorsal fin ray.

Habitat & Depth

Associated with reef; demersal

Distribution at GRNMS

Common

Geographic Range

Nova Scotia to Brazil

Behavior & Notes

Like most filefishes, use their strong jaws to bite and crush encrusting organisms growing on the reef substrate; swim by undulation of their second dorsal and anal fins.

Synonyms

References