The Honeycomb Filefish, scientifically known as Cantherhines pardalis, is a fascinating species of fish that belongs to the family Monacanthidae. This species is characterized by its unique honeycomb-like pattern on its skin, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
Description & Characteristics
The Cantherhines pardalis is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 25.0 cm. It boasts a striking color scheme, featuring a dark brown to greyish-brown body adorned with an intricate network of white, honeycomb-like markings. The honeycomb pattern is particularly prominent on the dorsal and ventral sides of the fish.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cantherhines pardalis is primarily found in shallow coastal waters, typically inhabiting depths ranging from 0.0 to 20.0 meters. This species is known to be common in tropical and subtropical marine zones, where it is often observed amongst coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds.
Taxonomy
The Cantherhines pardalis is a member of the class Teleostei, which encompasses a vast majority of ray-finned fishes. Within this class, it belongs to the order Tetraodontiformes, also known as the pufferfishes and their allies. This order is characterized by its members possessing a unique dentition adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey. Further down the taxonomic hierarchy, the species belongs to the family Monacanthidae, commonly known as the filefishes.
Feeding
The Cantherhines pardalis is an omnivorous feeder, with its diet encompassing a variety of small invertebrates and algae. Common food sources include brine shrimps, flakes, frozen food (large sort), mysis, pellets, and zooplankton. Their feeding habits reflect their adaptability to various habitats and food sources.
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