Pygmy Filefish

No good photo of this species is available yet, so this Illustration was created with ChatGPT Image 2.5. It is an attempt to get the anatomy and features right, and may contain small errors.

Name:	Pygmy Filefish
Scientific Name:	Stephanolepis setifer
Similar Species:	Orangespotted Filefish, Slender Filefish
Family:	Filefishes
Scientific Family:	Monacanthidae
Source:	WoRMS AphiaID 159500
Size:	2 - 4 in.
Depth Range:	On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings:	Almost never seen

The Pygmy Filefish is usually tan, yellow-brown or brown with blotches and spots. Broken lines of small dashes and spots may run along its body. It can change color to blend with its surroundings. Males have a very long second dorsal-fin ray.

The Pygmy Filefish can be found over sand, rubble, seagrass and other soft-bottom areas. Juveniles may stay among floating Sargassum.