Bahamas White Spotted Filefish

Adventures snorkeling in Bahamas offers a unique opportunity to encounter a great variety of aquatic wildlife. Underwater species often exhibit extraordinary aesthetic features and brilliant color. One such specimen you might come across is the White Spotted Filefish. The White Spotted Filefish, known scientifically as Cantherhines macrocerus, can be recognized by its prominent snout and bright orange hue. In different conditions mostly reliant on temperature, the White Spotted Filefish may change from lighter to darker shades, sometimes darkening to near a near black pigment with white, glowing dots along its body. One may also notice that the White Spotted Filefish might also seem "scale-less", but in reality, this specimen features incredibly small scales which give off the appearance of having none.

Its fascinating color changes, which can happen almost instantaneously, are exciting to view as a diver, and one can even approach this fish at close proximity since the White Spotted Filefish is not much of a fast swimmer. Usually White Spotted Filefish are seen drifting with seaweed with its head downward moving at sluggish paces. Its small fins are mostly to blame for its lack of speed, but it makes up for it with its defense mechanism that lies within its forehead. Not too far up from its top dorsal fin, the fish stores a sharp spike that can be extended while experiencing a threat. This spike in full extension makes it a difficult meal to swallow.

The White Spotted Filefish at full maturity usually makes its home in shallow waters. It can be found in depths of no more than 30 meters often in lagoons, seaward reefs, and seagrass beds. The White Spotted Filefish can be found in solitude, pairs, or small groups, and usually float along seaweed or inside narrow crevices to hide from predators.