Fin's Fish Guide
The Dick bride-groom fish (Monocentris japonica) is a saltwater fish of the family Monocentridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The pinecone fish is a remarkable reef fish of the pineconefish family (Monocentridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a stocky, yellowish body armoured with large, black-edged, plate-like scales, making it resemble a pinecone. On the lower jaw it bears a pair of light organs housing luminous bacteria, used to hunt in the dark. It lives in the sublittoral zone, under ledges and in caves of rocky reefs, and forms schools. It feeds on small crustaceans. The stout fin spines can prick, but the species is otherwise harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dick bride-groom fish?
The Dick bride-groom fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Armoured with pine cone-like plate scales; light organs with luminous bacteria on the lower jaw.
Where does the Dick bride-groom fish live?
The Dick bride-groom fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sublittoral rocky reefs, under ledges and in caves.
How big does the Dick bride-groom fish get?
The Dick bride-groom fish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Dick bride-groom fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dick bride-groom fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dick bride-groom fish edible?
The Dick bride-groom fish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Monocentridae
Want the complete picture on the Dick bride-groom fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dick bride-groom fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.