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Monocentridae
Pinecone fishes are small and unusual marine fish of the family ''Monocentridae''. The family contains just four species in two genera, one of which is monotypic. Their distribution is limited to tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Pinecone fishes are popular subjects of public aquaria, but are both expensive and considered a challenge for the hobbyist to maintain. Description These fish are aptly named; their rounded, compressed bodies are completely covered (with the exception of the caudal peduncle) with very large, strong, platelike scales called scutes, which are fortified with prominent ridges. The first dorsal fin is composed of four to seven strong, disunited spines which vary in length; the second dorsal fin and anal fin are small, spineless and rounded, situated far back of the convex head. The pectoral fins are somewhat elongate and the caudal fin is truncate. Coloration is typically a yellow to orange, with the scales dramatically outlined in b ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cleidopus
The pineapplefish (''Cleidopus gloriamaris'') also known as the Mailfish is a species of fish in the family Monocentridae, and the sole member of its genus. It is also known as the knightfish or the coat-of-mail fish, due to the armor-like scales covering its body, and the port-and-starboard light fish, as it has a pair of bioluminescent organs that are reminiscent of navigation lights on ships. Its specific epithet is from the Latin and ', meaning "glory of the sea". Distribution and habitat The pineapplefish is native to coastal waters off Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. It occurs at a depth of in reefs and harbors. Description The pineapplefish grows up to long. It has a plump, rounded body almost completely covered in large, rough scales with sharp, backward-pointing spines. The head is large, with mucous pits bordered by rough ridges, and is armored with heavy bone. The snout is blunt and overhangs the wide mouth. The teeth are tiny and thin, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
