Paraluteres prionurus, mimic filefish

Paraluteres prionurus Bleeker 1851

mimic filefish

The Mimic Filefish, Paraluteres prionurus, is very similar in colour, shape and habitat to the poisonous Saddled Pufferfish, Canthigaster valentini. The Mimic Filefish has longer dorsal and anal fin bases and the patterns behind the eyes are slightly different. Males are yellow and blue on the caudal fin and have a series of spines on the caudal peduncle. They change colour during display.

Distribution widespread tropical Indo Pacific, eastern Australia, north Qld to central NSW.
Max size 10cms
Family Monocanthidae - leatherjackets