Monacanthus monocephalus (Bleeker 1853)
(syn.
Pervagor monocephalus)
An Indo-Pacific filefish, grows to 17 cm in the wild, often found in pairs (though this may be very difficult to recreate in a tank) in the deeper portions of the reef (typical temperature 25C). It is an omnivore, grazing on algal turfs and various crustaceans and sessile coelenterates, so yes, your smaller-polyped corals MAY be at risk, and it is a SIZEABLE mother when full grown. I suppose if it is used to flake or other handfed foods and is thus well-fed, it will have less incentive to pick at prized corals.
Bob Fenner seems to think highly of it as an aquarium (unclear whether in an FO or reef) denizen. It is hardy, long-lived (probably 20+ years) and colorful.
Give it/them lots of territory. I have never seen one in the wild, but similar adult filefishes patrol several square metres floor-area, and do not tolerate similar species.
hth,
horge
[ 09-07-2001: Message edited by: horge ]
