Filefishes

Honeycomb filefish (Cantherhines pardalis)

The Honeycomb filefish (Cantherhines pardalis) belongs to the family Monacanthidae (filefishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 15 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Honeycomb filefish (Cantherhines pardalis), a Red Sea fish of the filefishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameCantherhines pardalis
FamilyFilefishes (Monacanthidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce filetto leopardo
Common name (EN)Honeycomb filefish
Maximum size15 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Honeycomb filefish belong to?
The Honeycomb filefish (Cantherhines pardalis) belongs to the family Monacanthidae (filefishes).
Is the Honeycomb filefish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Honeycomb filefish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Honeycomb filefish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 15 cm.

Explore the Honeycomb filefish in 3D in the interactive atlas →