Propped on its fins, this patient hunter watches for the next small animal to pass.
- Local names
- Mo'o
- Habitat
- Lagoon and reef
About this species
An elongated, cylindrical body is beige with brown spots above and white underneath. Large eyes sit high on the head, giving a broad view. The pelvic fins act like supports, keeping the fish poised just above the bottom.
It lives on reef flats and sandy, rubble-strewn lagoon bottoms, with records from about 3 to 50 m. Small fish and crustaceans are seized as they come within reach.
It defends its patch firmly and may face an intruder. A close observer can often watch it well before it slowly retreats into shelter. Do not confuse this perched hunter with a lizardfish.
- Guide des poissons de Tahiti et ses îles, Indo-Pacific Fish conference Tahiti 2017, P. Bachet, T. Zysman, Y. Lefèvre, Au vent des îles
- FishBase - Parapercis millepunctata