Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body deep, extended posteriorly, laterally compressed; skin rough, covered with minute scale plates; color olive-brown with blue spots and lines; 2 dorsal spines, 1st spine with no barbs, 2nd spine minute; gill slit oblique, at a 45 degree angle; no enlarged scales (tympanum) above pectoral fin base; no groove in front of eye or behind dorsal spines; dorsal, anal and pectoral fins rays not branched; caudal fin long, truncate (nearly straight vertical edge); no pelvic fins; pelvic spine absent and no flap of skin in front of anal fin. |
Similar Species |
The dotterel filefish is more narrow in height with a longer tail than most filefishes. Differs from the orange filefish by having a longer tail fin and no orange spots. Filefishes of other genera have a pelvic spine. Differs from triggerfishes by having only 2 dorsal spines (2nd 1 minute). |
Habitat |
Gulf, common around reefs |
Maximum Size |
45 cm (17 1/2 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. II+36-41; A. 39-44 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |