Marine Life

Longnose filefish

Thundhigu fathirondu

Oxymonacanthus longirostris

Oxymonacanthus longirostris can easily be distinguished from other Maldivian filefishes by its extremely long snout, and is closely related to O. halli, which is endemic to the Red Sea and differs slightly in colour and has a lower fin ray count. It is also a popular aquarium fish.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 10 cm
color: Green with numerous dark edged orange spots. A black blotch on caudal fin.
order: Tetraodontiformes
family: Monacanthidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/oxymonacanthus-longirostris.png
habitat and biology: This species is commonly found in sheltered areas of the reef edge and down to depths of 30 meters. It is often seen in pairs or small groups near branching or tabular colonies, and feeds on coral polyps.
distinctive characters: This species is found on protected areas of the reef edge and slope at depths of up to 30 meters. It is often seen in pairs and sometimes in small groups among branched or tabular colonies of coral. It feeds on coral polyps, which are the individual organisms that make up coral reefs.