Description:

Dorsal spines: 2; Dorsal rays: 45-52; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 47-53.

Body moderately deep, compressed and posteriorly elongate, with smooth leathery skin. Snout profile straight to convex. Eyes positioned far back on head 
above pectoral-fin base First dorsal spine long and feeble, usually broken in capture, the second spine minute and usually buried in the skin. Rudimentary 
pelvic spine disappears in large specimen.

Colour. Uniform light grey to sandy or with darker blotches and spots; fins yellowish with caudal more dusky.
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 76.2 cm TL. Common to 40 cm TL.
 

Found on continental shelf (depth 1-80 m). Occasionally in shallow water by steep drop-offs or on deep reef sandflats. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. 
Solitary or in pairs, occasionally in groups of five or six. Juveniles are pelagic, and often shelter beneath floating objects such as logs, debris and 
jellyfishes. Distinct pairing.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Not observed to date in the artisanal catch.  
 

Specimen photographed here, was found washed ashore, quite likely a catch discard. 
 

Bray, D.J. (2019). Aluterus monoceros in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/792 (13/07/19).
Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and 
printed with the support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Aluterus-monoceros (13/07/19).
Matsuura, K. et al. (2015). Aluterus monoceros (errata version 2017). The IUCN Red List 2015: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T16404943A16509717.en. (13/07/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Aluterus monoceros, Unicorn leatherjacket filefish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/aluterus-monoceros-linnaeus-1758/ (edited 24/08/22).