Black Lined Filefish

Dark brownish green to grayish green head and back, lower portions noticeably whitish; dark brown to pale orange iris; dark brown lips. Caudal fin membranes usually orange anteriorly, dusky posteriorly; other fins clear; spinous dorsal similar to body color. Pelvic fin rudiment moderate in size, broadly attached to posterior margin of ventral flap. Midbody scales variable in size. Scale rugosities in males usually develop at about 50 mm SL. Varies considerably with respect to squamation, coloration, fin-ray counts and max. size across its range.

Dorsal spines (total): 1 - 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 33; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 25 - 30

Secretive species found in lagoon and protected seaward reefs (Ref. 9710, 48637), often in silty conditions. Solitary (Ref. 90102). Sometimes seen deep inside branching corals (Ref. 48637). Has been from deeper water by trawls.