The Bristle-Tail Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Monacanthidae family of Leatherjackets. It is related to Pufferfish.
The Bristle-Tail Filefish has a laterally-compressed, rhomboid-shaped body and rough skin like sandpaper. It has many spines. It can rapidly change colour, skin texture, and even skin patterns to avoid predators. It has a tapered snout (nose) and its orange-brown eyes are located high on its head. It has small fins, so it is not a good swimmer.
It grows to about 12 centimetres (5 inches) in length.
It is widespread across tropical waters in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is mainly found near Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia. It prefers shallow water in coral reefs.
It feeds on sea snails and other small sea creatures.
The Bristle-Tail Filefish can be found in pairs or small groups. It is oviparous. The female lays eggs on the bottom of the sea, and both parents guard the eggs and the young.
Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM