The Japanese pineapplefish is a small yellow reef fish covered in thick, plate-like scales outlined in black, which make it look like a pineapple or pinecone. A pair of on its lower jaw glow with the help of luminous bacteria. It does not live in U.S. waters, but it is regularly shown in public aquariums. It is also called pineconefish.
Appearance
- Appearance
- Usually about 4.7–6 in (12–15 cm) long, rarely up to 6.7 in (17 cm). The body is yellow and covered in large, hard with black edges.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- rocky reefs
- caves and ledges
- Range
- Warm Indo-West Pacific waters, including Japan, Taiwan, and China. Some older records from farther afield may include a look-alike species described in 2022. It is not found in the wild in the United States.
- Preferred conditions
- Adults mostly live around rocky reefs down to about 330 ft (100 m); young fish sometimes turn up in shallower water.
Behavior
- Activity
- Active at night. By day it shelters in caves and under ledges, and it swims slowly.
- Social life
- It lives in schools. When threatened it locks its stout dorsal and pelvic spines upright.
- Senses
- The light organs on each side of the lower jaw hold glowing bacteria. Their purpose is not known for sure; they may help it see or attract prey at night.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Culture and stories
- Culture and stories
- It is traded for home aquariums. It is peaceful and fairly easy to keep, and is usually fed fresh marine foods or brine shrimp.
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