---
title: Fuzzy Filefish (Paramonacanthus nematophorus)
scientific_name: Paramonacanthus nematophorus
common_name: Fuzzy Filefish
taxon: Filefishes
conservation_status: DD - Data Deficient
published: 2024-11-24T20:25:11.454Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:10:12.078Z
tags: Fuzzy Filefish, Paramonacanthus nematophorus, Filefishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/filefishes/fuzzy-filefish
---

# Fuzzy Filefish (*Paramonacanthus nematophorus*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Filefishes (*Monacanthidae*)
- **Size:** 8.5 cm
- **Depth:** 1-45 m
- **Conservation status:** DD - Data Deficient

The Fuzzy Filefish, scientifically known as *Paramonacanthus nematophorus*, is an intriguing species belonging to the Monacanthidae family within the Tetraodontiformes order. This tropical marine fish, found in the western Indian Ocean, is often seen around the Maldives, East African coasts, the Red Sea, and as far south as Tanzania, Zanzibar, and the Seychelles. They thrive in habitats rich with seaweeds and rocky grounds, residing at sea depths ranging from 1 to 45 meters (3 to 148 feet).

Reaching a maximum length of 8.5 centimeters (about 3.3 inches), the Fuzzy Filefish is characterized by its small mouth and distinctive body pattern that allows it to blend seamlessly into its environment, offering it protection against predators. Its diet primarily consists of crabs, worms, small fish, and algae.

The fish possesses distinct morphological features: it has two dorsal spines and between 24 and 27 soft dorsal rays, with no anal spines but 24 to 28 soft anal rays. It also has 19 vertebrae. The body width is 2.0 to 2.7 times the head length, the body depth is 2.0 to 3.0 times the standard length (SL), the head length is 2.6 to 3.2 times SL, the snout length is 3.4 to 4.4 times SL, and the eye diameter is 2.8 to 4.3 times the head length.

Its scientific name, *Paramonacanthus*, is derived from Greek, with "para" meaning 'side of', "monos" meaning 'one', and "akantha" meaning 'thorn', reflecting the fish's unique physical characteristics.

## Also known as

- **English:** Fuzzy Filefish
- **Portuguese:** Peixe-porco-do-Zanzibar
- **CA:** Peix llima d'aleta fràgil

## Scientific synonyms

- *Monacanthus cirrosus* Kossmann & Räuber, 1877
- *Monacanthus nematophorus* Günther, 1870

## Range

Seychelles

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/filefishes/fuzzy-filefish)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*