Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown leather-jacket (Cantherhines pardalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The honeycomb filefish is a filefish (Monacanthidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a strongly laterally compressed body with a rough, file-like skin and a honeycomb-like pattern, and can raise a stout first dorsal spine to lock itself into crevices. It lives on outer reef slopes, often in silty habitats. It feeds on algae, small invertebrates, coral polyps and sponges. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown leather-jacket?
The Brown leather-jacket has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. File-like skin with a honeycomb pattern; raises a dorsal fin spine to wedge itself in place.
Where does the Brown leather-jacket live?
The Brown leather-jacket lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; outer reef slopes.
How big does the Brown leather-jacket get?
The Brown leather-jacket grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Brown leather-jacket dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown leather-jacket is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown leather-jacket edible?
The Brown leather-jacket is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cantherhines
More from the family Monacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown leather-jacket?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown leather-jacket is one of 12,519 species in the app.