Broom Filefish

The Broom Filefish, scientifically known as Amanses scopas, is a unique species within the filefish family, Monacanthidae, and is the only member of its genus. This tropical marine fish is commonly seen in the Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the 🌊 Red Sea and down to Maputo, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, reaching east to the Society and Tuamoto Islands (🇵🇫 French Polynesia), and north to the Gotô Islands in 🇯🇵 Japan, as well as south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. In 🇦🇺 Australia, it is known as the brush-sided leatherjacket, while on Christmas Island, it goes by the name broom leatherjacket.

Typically found in depths ranging from 1 to 18 meters (3 to 59 feet), the Broom Filefish inhabits clear coastal and outer reefs. It prefers areas rich in coral, where there are rubble patches or gutters. Known for feeding on coral polyps, these fish are usually solitary or found in pairs. They tend to be shy and less approachable compared to other filefish, often seeking refuge within large corals when they feel threatened.

Reaching up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) in length, the Broom Filefish has a distinct appearance. Its body is brown, featuring up to 12 narrow dark brown crossbars. The caudal fin is dark brown, while the soft dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins are pale. A notable difference between males and females is that males have several long spines in front of the caudal peduncle, whereas females have a toothbrush-like mass of setae in that area.

In terms of physical features, it has 2 dorsal spines, 26-29 dorsal soft rays, and 22-25 anal soft rays. The Broom Filefish thrives in mixed habitats of sand, rubble, and coral heads, particularly in somewhat protected sections of seaward reefs.