Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body deep, laterally compressed; skin rough, covered with minute scale plates; color tan to brown to greenish with irregular blotching and lines, generally with 2 large dark blotches on sides; 2 dorsal spines, 1st spine strongly barbed, originating over the back of eye, 2nd spine minute; no enlarged scales (tympanum) above pectoral fin base; no groove in front of eye or behind dorsal spines; gill slit small, nearly vertical; caudal peduncle with no spines; dorsal, anal and pectoral fins not branched; 2nd dorsal ray in males elongated; no pelvic fins; pelvic spine present; flap of skin in front of anal fin. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the pygmy filefish (S. setifer) but the planehead fish has fewer dark spots than the pygmy. The planehead also has more dorsal rays (30+ vs 29 or less) and more anal rays (31+ vs 30 or less). Aluterus species of filefishes have no pelvic spines. Other filefishes have spines on their caudal peduncle and/or a groove behind the dorsal spines. Differs from triggerfishes by having only 2 dorsal spines (2nd 1 minute). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, common on reefs and around floating objects |
Maximum Size |
27.5 cm (11 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. II+29-35; A. 30-35 (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. |