Unicorn leatherjacket filefish (Aluterus monoceros) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–80 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, United States runs summer, autumn.
Scientific name: Aluterus monoceros · Water: Saltwater · Season: Summer, Autumn
Size: up to 76.2 cm
The unicorn leatherjacket filefish is a monacanthid, a filefish rather than a tetrodotoxin carrier. It usually works shallow water beside steep drop-offs, under 10 m, alone or in pairs and occasionally in groups of five or six; adults and juveniles are both rarely seen near reefs. The juveniles are pelagic, sheltering beneath floating objects and often with large jellyfish, which can carry them close to reef areas. Adults sometimes gather on sand flats adjacent to reefs in deep water. Commonly about 40 cm and up to 76.2 cm total length, in season in autumn, with a fishing vulnerability of 48 out of 100.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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