Monocentris japonica: Difference between revisions
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The '''Pineconefish''' ''( |
The '''Pineconefish''' ''(Monocentris japonica)'' is a [[sawbelly]] of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Monocentridae]], found in the tropical [[Indo-Pacific|Indo-West Pacific]] oceans, at depths of between 10 and 200 metres. Its length is between 8 and 15 centimetres. |
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The Pineconefish is a small plump-bodied species with large head and eyes and thickened enlarged [[scale (zoology)|scale]]s that interlock to form a solid rough armour with the appearance of a pinecone. The [[fin]] spines are strong and solid, those of the first [[dorsal fin]] being bent off-centre. Both the second dorsal fin and the [[anal fin]] are set well back and are directed almost horizontally to the rear. |
The Pineconefish is a small plump-bodied species with large head and eyes and thickened enlarged [[scale (zoology)|scale]]s that interlock to form a solid rough armour with the appearance of a pinecone. The [[fin]] spines are strong and solid, those of the first [[dorsal fin]] being bent off-centre. Both the second dorsal fin and the [[anal fin]] are set well back and are directed almost horizontally to the rear. |
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Revision as of 08:39, 25 March 2006
| Pineconefish | |
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| Species: | M. japonica
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| Binomial name | |
| Monocentris japonica Houttuyn, 1782
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The Pineconefish (Monocentris japonica) is a sawbelly of the family Monocentridae, found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific oceans, at depths of between 10 and 200 metres. Its length is between 8 and 15 centimetres.
The Pineconefish is a small plump-bodied species with large head and eyes and thickened enlarged scales that interlock to form a solid rough armour with the appearance of a pinecone. The fin spines are strong and solid, those of the first dorsal fin being bent off-centre. Both the second dorsal fin and the anal fin are set well back and are directed almost horizontally to the rear.
On each side of the lower jaw is a large phosphorescent organ that can be covered or exposed by a fold of the lower jaw. These bright forward directed lights are used to illuminate the small planktonic animals on which this species feeds during its night-time foraging expeditions. During the day these fish shelter in caves or overhangs.
The colour is a uniform yellow with the soft fins pinkish and almost transparent.
References
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Monocentris japonica". FishBase. January 2006 version.
- Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8