Mimic Filefish

Paraluteres prionurus is a filefish of the family Monacanthidae.

The blacksaddle filefish has evolved to mimic Canthigaster valentini, a highly poisonous pufferfish commonly found where ever P. prionurus is found. The two species have been known to school together.

Description

It reaches a length of a maximum 11 cm. Ranges from pale greenish to dirty white in color; blackish-brown saddles above; normally with a round dark blotch above origin of anal fin; soft dorsal and anal fins hyaline, tips dusky; caudal fin yellowish. Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25.

Distribution

The blacksaddle filefish are found in pairs or in small schools and inhabit reefs across the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Habitat

It inhabits clear lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 25 meters. Solitary or in small groups. Adults usually in pairs, but sometimes seen in small aggregations. Mimic the poisonous puffer, Canthigaster valentini which it greatly resembles. It feed on eggs, gastropods and grazes the substrate.