Diving with Tilefish

Lanta Marine Life | Malacanthidae

Members of the Tilefish family Malacanthidae are mostly smaller fish, often found in sandy areas close to coral reefs where they construct burrows in coral rubble, in small holes, caves or piles of rock. We typically only (rarely) see one species of this family while diving Koh Lanta.

Tilefish are generally found near the sea bottom, and when approached, will often quickly dive into their burrows for shelter.

Members of this family have slender, elongated bodies with long dorsal and anal fins. The tail fin shape varies between species and they have good eyesight.

1 species found on this page:

Blue Blanquillo (Malacanthus latovittatus)

Blue Blanquillo

(Malacanthus latovittatus)

Malacanthus latovittatus @ Koh Haa

The Blue Blanquillo has a sloping head and bluish to yellowish body, more pale on the underside.

There is a light margin on the dorsal fin and a thick dark stripe with a white margin from the gill to the tail.

In juveniles, the dark band starts at the snout, but this slowly recedes back to the gills as the fish matures.

The Blue Blanquillo grows to 45 cm, and is found on outer reef slopes, hovering above the bottom.

They often swim high above the sand to spot prey with their excellent eyesight.