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Paxman's filefish (Colurodontis paxmani) — Monacanthidae

Paxman's filefish

Colurodontis paxmani
Family: Monacanthidae

The Paxman's filefish (Colurodontis paxmani) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

Paxman's filefish is a small filefish (Monacanthidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed body with a rough, file-like skin, a brown-greenish pattern and an erectable first dorsal spine. As a slow swimmer it shelters among weed and seagrass and snaps at small invertebrates, algae and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Paxman's filefish?

The Paxman's filefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Paxman's filefish live?

The Paxman's filefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Paxman's filefish get?

The Paxman's filefish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Paxman's filefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Paxman's filefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Paxmans vijlvis sourced
English name
Paxman's filefish sourced
Scientific name
Colurodontis paxmani
Family
Monacanthidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Monacanthidae

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