Whitebar Filefish

Paramonacanthus choirocephalus

The Whitebar Filefish, known scientifically as Paramonacanthus choirocephalus, is a small reef fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Pacific. It has a maximum length of 11 cm and displays a distinctive pattern of dark brown to dusky blotches. These blotches sometimes form two curved, oblique stripes on its body, with three dark brown blotches almost always present. The dorsal profile of the snout varies between genders, with males having a straight to convex profile, sometimes featuring a small hump, while females and juveniles have a straight to concave profile without a hump. The first dorsal spine originates over or slightly behind the posterior half of the eye. This species inhabits sheltered coastal reefs and can also be found on mud and sand bottoms, often forming small aggregations. It is distributed across Thailand, Malaysia, northwestern Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 25 meters. The Whitebar Filefish is harmless to humans and does not have any significant threats impacting its population, as indicated by its IUCN status of Least Concern. Divers encountering the Whitebar Filefish may find it in small groups, blending into the reef environment. Its cryptic coloration and behavior make it an interesting subject for observation.