A filefish is any of several flattened fishes with a sharp spine on the back, usually over the eyes.Adult filefish are usually shallow water fish, inhabiting depths of no more than about 100 ft. (30 m).
Filefishes are found around reefs of tropical salt waters. Most filefishes range in length from 5 (13 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm). They have a small mouth with eight sharp teeth and a flap of flesh extending from the chin toward the back of the body. Because their small scales are set close together, filefishes have a velvety appearance. Their flesh is often poisonous.
Filefish is a popular snack food in Korea.
Filefishes are classified in the order Tetraodontiformes, family Balistidae.
