Fin's Fish Guide
The Pig-faced leather jacket (Paramonacanthus choirocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The pig-faced leather jacket is a filefish from the western Pacific, ranging from Thailand and Malaysia to northwestern Australia, the Philippines and New Guinea. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a deep, strongly compressed, brown body with dark blotches that sometimes form two oblique bands; males have a convex, pig-like snout. The first dorsal spine can be locked. It lives on sheltered coastal reefs and mud and sand bottoms between 3 and 25 metres depth. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pig-faced leather jacket?
The Pig-faced leather jacket has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Lockable first dorsal fin spine; males with a pig-like snout
Where does the Pig-faced leather jacket live?
The Pig-faced leather jacket lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Pacific
How big does the Pig-faced leather jacket get?
The Pig-faced leather jacket grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Pig-faced leather jacket dangerous to humans?
No, the Pig-faced leather jacket is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Pig-faced leather jacket edible?
The Pig-faced leather jacket is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paramonacanthus
More from the family Monacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Pig-faced leather jacket?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pig-faced leather jacket is one of 12,519 species in the app.