Filefish

Closely related to the triggerfish, the filefish are not so boisterous in aquarium surroundings as their cousins, nor as destructive as them.

Most species are smaller than triggerfish too, but they share the split configuration of the dorsal fin (forms a spine to anchor the fish in a cave.

The ventral fin on the underside of the body is similarly modified, providing additional support. Filefish have small mouths, with teeth designed to nibble at food like algae. They must not be housed in reef aquariums as they naturally feed n coral polyps. Although usually tolerant to their own kind they are known to harry other fish.