Fin's Fish Guide
The Sandwich isle file (Cantherhines sandwichiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian filefish is a filefish (Monacanthidae) from the Pacific Ocean. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed body with a rough, file-like skin and a stout, lockable first dorsal spine that it can erect to wedge itself into a crevice. It lives benthopelagically over coral and rock. It feeds mainly on algae and detritus, but also eats tunicates, coral, sponges and other invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sandwich isle file?
The Sandwich isle file has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Rough file-like skin and a lockable dorsal fin spine to wedge itself into crevices.
Where does the Sandwich isle file live?
The Sandwich isle file lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Pacific Ocean; coral and rocky reefs.
How big does the Sandwich isle file get?
The Sandwich isle file grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Sandwich isle file dangerous to humans?
No, the Sandwich isle file is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sandwich isle file edible?
The Sandwich isle file 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 Sandwich isle file?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sandwich isle file is one of 12,519 species in the app.