Blacksaddle Filefish, Paraluteres prionurus (Bleeker, 1851)

Introduction

The Blacksaddle Filefish mimics the poisonous Blacksaddle Toby, Canthigaster valentini.

Identification

The Blacksaddle Filefish is white with dark brown bars. It has two pairs of spines on the caudal peduncle.

The species can be distinguished from the Blacksaddle Toby by comparing their dorsal fins. The Blacksaddle Filefish has two dorsal fins, while the Blacksaddle Toby has only one. The second dorsal fin and anal fin are long-based (22-28 rays) in the Blacksaddle Filefish but short-based (9 rays) in the Blacksaddle Toby.

Distribution

The Blacksaddle Filefish occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific waters. In Australian it is found from Ashmore reef off north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
4. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.