Mimic Saddle Puffer
Paraluterus prionurus
Price range: $86.99 through $88.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock | 2 - 3" - Africa | Original price was: $168.99.$88.99Current price is: $88.99. |
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| Only 1 left | 2" or smaller - Africa | Original price was: $163.99.$86.99Current price is: $86.99. |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Often sold as the Mimic Saddle Puffer, this species is actually the blacksaddle (mimic) filefish, Paraluteres prionurus, a “false puffer” known for its puffer-like shape and saddle markings. Adults stay small (around 11 cm), with a pale body, darker saddle bands, and a yellow tail that stands out in reef rockwork.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruising and hovering through rockwork, then pausing to inspect surfaces up close
- A steady, deliberate feeding style—often taking smaller bites rather than rushing food
- Regular “perching” behavior, bracing itself in place while it watches the tank
- More confident activity after a short settling-in period, especially in calmer community setups
To succeed, provide a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock, plus open swimming room, and offer a varied menu of meaty frozen foods along with some algae-based options. Multiple small feedings during the day help it stay engaged at mealtime and make it easier to share space with other active feeders.
Will it eat Aiptasia like the “Aiptasia-Eating Filefish”?
This species isn’t known as a reliable Aiptasia solution; most hobbyists treat it as an ornamental fish rather than a targeted pest-control tool.
Can it live with a Valentini (saddle) toby puffer since it mimics one?
Some hobbyists try the pairing, but mixed results are common—many keepers choose one or the other to keep social dynamics simple.
Why does it eat well at first, then seem less interested once it’s in the display?
It can get “outpaced” during fast feedings; slowing the feeding moment (or offering food in two spots) often brings it right back into the routine.
Is it normal for it to wedge itself into rock and “lock” in place?
Yes—filefish commonly use their body posture and spines to anchor themselves when resting or when they want to hold position in flow.
Does it tend to pick at certain coral types more than others?
Individual behavior varies, but many hobbyists specifically watch how it behaves around zoanthids and fleshy LPS, since “sampling” can happen even in otherwise well-fed tanks.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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