Juvenile fish identification

I discovered this little fish over a sandy bottom in St Vincent.

It would roll along with the current an occasionally stop and feed by pecking at sand grains.

It was round, (roundness did not show well in photo) and about the size of a green pea.

Any ideas what this might grow up to be? Just curious,

Chet

www.pbase.com/chet

I am going to GUESS that it is a larval Frogfish...

Chet,

When were you in St. Vincent? Why didn't you come and say hello?!

Kay

St. Vincent

At the size of a pea, juvenile frogfishes are very well developed and look more-or-less like the adults.

I'm pretty certain that your photo is of a post-larval filefish. In particular, the slightly upturned snout is quite characteristic. Your description of the "pecking" behaviour is also consistent with filefishes.

Hope that helps.

Kris

Kris

I have to agree with your observations. We even were able to view this critter with your U/W magnifier, a very handy pocket tool for our dives. Thanks for the responce.

Chet

At the size of a pea, juvenile frogfishes are very well developed and look more-or-less like the adults.

 

I'm pretty certain that your photo is of a post-larval filefish. In particular, the slightly upturned snout is quite characteristic. Your description of the "pecking" behaviour is also consistent with filefishes.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Kris

 

--

Kris Wilk

ReefNet Inc.

www.reefnet.ca

 

1-888-819-REEF (US/Canada)

905-608-9373 (International)