Cantherhines fronticinctus (Günther, 1867)
Spectacled filefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 43 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: south to Durban, South Africa, east to Marshall Islands. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 33-36; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 31-32. Sometimes resembles the mottled color phase of C. pardalis, but most often has a pattern of about four broad dusky bands converging posteriorly and has a longer tail. Description: Characterized further by dark blotches around eye and on sides; white bar across tail base; first dorsal spine nearly equal to length of snout, above front half of eye and partially fitting into groove on back; absence of spines on side of caudal peduncle; concave dorsal profile of snout; rounded caudal fin; depth of body at origin of anal fin 2.0-2.3 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A generally uncommon species found in seaward reefs (Ref. 9710, 48637) and in harbours. Usually in rich coral with various other mixed-invertebrate habitat (Ref. 48637). Found close to shelter (Ref. 9710). Feeds on benthic organisms (Ref. 3467). Solitary (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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