Monocentridae

family of fishes

Pinecone fishes are small and unusual fish of the family Monocentridae. The family contains just four species. They live in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Pinecone fishes are popular in aquariums, but are expensive and a challenge for the hobbyist.

Pinecone fishes
Pinecone fish, Monocentris japonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Monocentridae
Genera

Cleidopus
Monocentris
See text for species.

The pineapplefish, Cleidopus gloriamaris, is the largest species, reaching up to 30 centimetres (12 in) in length.[1]

Monocentris japonica

Life history

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Pinecone fishes live in ledges and caves, rocky and coral reefs over a hard bottom. Pinecone fishes are nocturnal.

Species

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References

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  1. Paxton, John R. (1998). Paxton, J.R. & Eschmeyer, W.N. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 161–162. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)