Paraluteres prionurus (Bleeker, 1851)
Mimic filefish, 11cm

Paraluteres prionurus is a pretty close mimic of the sharpnose puffer Canthigaster valentini, a highly poisonous species probably avoided by most predators. The filefish most likely derives protection from this resemblance, and consequently this is one of the few files that can be fairly easily approached underwater.

This one appears to be a fairly young individual.

This appears to be a juvenile Paraluteres prionurus.

Created 15 December 2015

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