Fin's Fish Guide
The Planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Uruguay; eastern Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The planehead filefish is a small, strongly compressed reef fish of the family Monacanthidae reaching nearly 37 cm. Its skin feels rough and the body carries a large, erectile first dorsal spine that can be locked upright like a trigger. The colour is brown with a marbled pattern that helps it hide among drifting Sargassum weed. The species occurs in the western and eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, living on sand and mud bottoms to 293 m and feeding on benthic invertebrates. It is rarely eaten and has been linked to ciguatera poisoning when consumed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Planehead filefish?
The Planehead filefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Strongly laterally flattened body with rough skin and a large, erectile first dorsal spine; often associated with floating Sargassum. Caution: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Planehead filefish live?
The Planehead filefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Uruguay; eastern Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Planehead filefish get?
The Planehead filefish grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Planehead filefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Planehead filefish is harmless to humans. Harmless to handle, but may cause ciguatera poisoning if eaten; seek medical help if symptoms such as nausea or tingling occur.
Is the Planehead filefish edible?
The Planehead filefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stephanolepis
More from the family Monacanthidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Planehead filefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.