+66 (0)89 050 3009

home \ Koh Lanta Marine Life \ Ray-finned Fishes \ Tilefish

Tilefish

(Malacanthidae)

Sea Chubs Hawkfishes

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.

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) @ Koh Haa

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.

Find Out More: Marine Life References and Further Information

{{"?"}}xml encoding="utf-8" {{"?"}}>

Diving with Tilefish

Spot Tilefish around Koh Lanta on one of our high season dive and snorkel trips.

Join our speedboat trips to some of the best dive sites in Thailand and enjoy small groups, great personal service and short journey times on our fast boats.

Not yet a diver? Discover a whole new world with our Discover Scuba Diving introduction experience, or get your PADI with us here on Koh Lanta.

If you're already a certified diver, take your diving knowledge and skills to the next level with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Book online to save 10% on scuba diving trips and PADI courses.

×

Diving, Snorkeling & PADI Courses

Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Please let us know:

    • when will you arrive on Koh Lanta?
    • your previous dive experience?
    • which diving activities you are interesed in?

  • If you're already here on Lanta, you can also call us on +66 (0)89 050 3009