Bristle-tail Filefish

The skin is rough and can change colour

The bristle-tail filefish belongs to the filefish family, which has been named after its compact body and its skin texture, which resembles sandpaper. The fish can change colour depending on its environment, which helps it to avoid predators. It is a shy species that lives in shallow tropical waters among seaweed. The bristle-tail filefish is a popular aquarium fish, mainly because it likes to eat glass rose anemones, a kind of sea anemone that often causes problems in aquariums. The filefish is therefore a useful animal that helps keep the tank clean.

A spine on the back

The bristle-tail filefish has a characteristic appearance with a pronounced spine and skin flap on its dorsal fin. The spine can be erected, making the fish appear bigger. The male erects the spine both against other males and to attract a partner. A female can lay several hundred eggs that she defends from other fish. When the eggs have hatched the fry are left on their own.