Orangespotted Filefish

Description:

Found in shallow water and around coral and rocky reefs (Ref. 3790). Usually remains near the bottom, hiding among gorgonians and branching coral. Feeds on bottom growth, primarily sponge and algae, but stomach often contain tunicates, bryozoans and other sessile benthic invertebrates. The young are pelagic and highly important food items in the diet of large predaceous fishes such as tunas and billfishes. Generally considered as trash fish, rarely consumed.