Slender filefish

This species is one of the smallest filefish that we encounter.  Slender filefish don't grow much larger than about 4 inches.  This particular fish is an adult, and about 3 inches long.  They are capable of changing their color to blend in with their background.  Often they drift vertically in gorgonian or soft coral branches, and are well camouflaged.  Some years we encounter juveniles that are only an inch long.  Today, I encountered 3 adults, at a depth of about 45 feet.  In each photo, the file (the modified first dorsal spine) is not erect.  It can be seen lying flat, at the top of the head, above the eye, pointing towards the back.