Paramonacanthus japonicus (Tilesius, 1809)
Hairfinned leatherjacket
Paramonacanthus japonicus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  12 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 34 - 46 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Northwestern Pacific: confirmed from Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-30; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 24-30; Vertebrae: 19-19. body width 2.0-2.6 in head length; body depth 2.0-3.1 in SL, head length 2.7-3.2 in SL; snout length 3.7-4.1 in SL; eye diameter 2.7-3.7 in head length; second dorsalmost caudal ray elongate and filamentous in male (Ref. 33065).
Biology:  Inhabits weedy and sandy areas of coastal reefs (Ref. 9710). Found on open muddy substrates from shallow estuaries to deep offshore. Males elongate with age (Ref. 48637). Monogamous (Ref. 52884).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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