Lozenge filefish

Reticulated leatherjacket, also known as Lozenge filefish, has the scientific name Stephanolepis diaspros.

The snout of this fish is concave, and the base of its soft dorsal fin is elevated. It has a brown color with a light pattern and can reach a maximum length of 25 cm.

This species is typically found in coastal rocky substrates, often with vegetation. It feeds on small invertebrates that it plucks from rocks and is frequently caught in nets. Juveniles of this fish are commonly associated with jellyfish.

The distribution of the reticulated leatherjacket spans from the Persian Gulf to the 🌊 Red Sea, and it has immigrated to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt).

As one of the earlier Lessepsian immigrants, this fish is well established in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. It can be found in various substrates, including rocky bottoms with vegetation, sandy and muddy bottoms, as well as seagrass meadows.