4 replies to this topic

[JPS]

This one is from Tulamben, Bali. The caudal fin is distinctive, but nevertheless I would benefit of help in identifying him/her!

[jimbo1946]

It looks like a tilefish - Family Malacanthidae. In the Allen & Steen book, there is a photo of a Flagtail Blanquillo that resembles your fish. In any case, my guess would be some species of tilefish.

[JPS]

Thanks! The flagtail blanquillo seems to be also known as "quakerfish", http://www.fishbase....ary.cfm?id=5795, latin name Malacanthus brevirostris.

This is so much easier when someone gives the push to right direction!

[jimbo1946]

Glad I could help! Actually, I love to watch the sand tilefish of the Caribbean. They really have interesting behavior, which many divers miss by looking for the big animals. I love to get down in the hardpan or sand and shoot macro on the little fish that live there. The sand tilefish in the Caribbean aren't all that small - they grow up to about one foot or so (30 cm) - so they're easy to spot, although they can be very skittish.

[Tuga]

Here's a flagtail tilefish from Maui. It's the only tilefish we have. Hard to shoot before they disappear into the sand. This one was about 6-8 inches.