No.49 Black scraper

The horseface filefish is a member of the filefish family that inhabits coastal areas from temperate to tropical regions. It grows to a length of about 30 to 40 cm, and its long, pointed head resembles a horse's face, hence its name. It is characterized by its sturdy mouth and teeth, which can crush crustaceans and shellfish.

This sample was requested by NHK Enterprises, Inc. and CT scans were conducted as a project for NHK E-television's “Gyogyotto Sakana★Star”.
Gyogyotto Sakana★Star" program HP: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/P58QMGP4K1/

CT scan revealed that the sharp spines protruding from the forehead are integrated with the skull and provide strong support. The pectoral and caudal fins have a slender, radiating structure designed to generate propulsion while reducing water resistance.