Caribbean Creature Feature: The Slender Filefish

Caribbean Creature Feature: The Slender Filefish

Jan 23

 

So Slender you Might Miss Them!

 

Filefish are a regular feature of the Caribbean coral reef. Seen most often are the Whitespotted Filefish, the Orangespotted Filefish and the always fantastic, alien-looking Scrawled Filefish. One present on most dives, but seldom seen unless you know where to look is the Slender Filefish (Monacanthus tuckeri). All Filefish have an elongated, laterally compressed body, a proportionally very small mouth and a largish often broom-like tail. Their common name is taken from the texture of their skin, which was once used by fisherman and other tradesmen as sandpaper. Unlike their cousins, the triggerfish, they cannot lock their dorsal spine in place to prevent being removed from their hiding place in the reef.

Slender Filefish are the smallest of the Caribbean filefish, usually 2 to 31/2 in. with a maximum size of 4 in. An interesting feature of many filefish, but particularly the Slender Filefish, is the large dewlap (extendible belly appendage). This feature is used to appear larger to predators but also by males to attract females. Slenders can be found anywhere from 10- 60 ft. of depth. Since they are so small and their markings provide such great camouflage you really need to know where to look to find them. Slender Filefish are most often found floating nose down among gorgonians; specifically the soft coral gorgonian Plexaurella nutans, commonly known as the Giant Slit-pore Sea Rod, and Gorgonia ventalina, the Common Sea Fan. Both of these gorgonians like plenty of sunlight so are usually found in fairly shallow water, hence the depth range of the Slender Filefish. I have also found them among sea fans on top of well-lit shipwrecks.

 

Finding Slender Filefish

As you are making your way to shallower water toward the end of the dive, start looking around for the gorgonians described above. Once you have located one, slowly and carefully look in and around its branches. Often there will be more than one Slender Filefish there for your photo documentation. They tend to be very shy and wary so make an effort to be as unobtrusive as possible, using expert buoyancy control and breathing as quietly as possible. Try to anticipate their next move so you can meet them on the other side of the gorgonian to get the best angle possible. It is great fun to watch them zooming around like bumble bees and curiously peeking out at you to see if the coast is clear.

Since there are fewer species in the Caribbean and therefore fewer macro opportunities you will find it pays to know what you’re looking for and where to look for it. An educated underwater photographer is a successful underwater photographer. Whether you are scuba diving Bonaire at Buddy Dive Resort, or on a dive liveaboard in Turks & Caicos, keep an eye out here for future Caribbean Creature Features; next time Flamingo Tongues!

 

By: Jonathan Lavan

Jonathan Lavan: The owner/operator of Underpressure Diving & Nature Photography is a citizen scientist and wildlife expert and has been SCUBA Diving for thirty years and taking photographs both above and below the water for about 10. He was pleased to have been made Volunteer of the Year for 2012 by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. As a SCUBA Diver he has been a photographer, teacher and research associate for many different organizations.He is a staunch environmentalist and educator of young people. Jonathan is committed to making a difference on this planet through his images and his message of good will to all creatures. www.underpressurephotog.com.