Pinnaeator

Pinnaeator is a genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Monacanthidae, commonly known as filefishes. The genus was first described by the American ichthyologist Theodore Gill in 1862. Pinnaeator species are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, which can reach lengths of up to 15 centimeters, and their distinctive, flattened heads with large, forward-facing eyes. They possess a single dorsal fin, a long anal fin, and a long, continuous pectoral fin that extends along the sides of their body.

Pinnaeator species are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and as far south as Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths ranging from 1 to 100 meters. These fish are known for their unique feeding behavior, where they use their elongated bodies to burrow into the substrate and capture prey such as crustaceans and small fish.

Pinnaeator species are of particular interest to ichthyologists due to their unusual morphology and behavior. They are also popular among aquarium enthusiasts, although they can be challenging to maintain in captivity due to their specific habitat requirements. The genus currently includes two recognized species: Pinnaeator rhomboides and Pinnaeator striatus.