# Pristipomoides filamentosus The Pristipomoides filamentosus, also known as the longtail snapper, is a colorful fish found in warm waters. It has a long, slender body and loves to swim around coral reefs. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Coastal areas - **Also known as:** Longtail Snapper ![Pristipomoides filamentosus](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/58724601/medium.jpeg) Photo: Andrew Meeds, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/58724601) ## Appearance The Pristipomoides filamentosus is a beautiful fish with a rosy to pinkish-red body, often appearing silvery on its belly. It has large eyes and a pointed snout, with long, thread-like extensions on its dorsal fin, giving it a distinctive silhouette. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Actinopterygii - **Order:** Perciformes - **Family:** Lutjanidae - **Genus:** Pristipomoides ## Interesting facts - Their name 'filamentosus' refers to the thread-like extensions on their fins. - These fish can live for nearly two decades in the deep ocean. - They are a popular food fish, especially enjoyed in Hawaii! - They often hang out near sunken ships and rocky underwater peaks! ## Special abilities - **Deep-Sea Sight:** Pristipomoides filamentosus has extra-large eyes that help them see in the dimly lit waters where sunlight barely reaches. - **Filament Fin:** This fish has a long, flowing filament on its fin, which may help it feel currents or signal to other fish. - **Underwater Ear:** The Pristipomoides filamentosus has a keen sense of hearing through its lateral line, helping it detect prey and predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 40-100 cm - **Weight:** 1-8.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-18 years - **Swim Speed:** 25 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 360 m - **Water Type:** Saltwater ## Diet & Feeding A skilled hunter, eating smaller fish and squids found in the deep ocean. - **Age differences:** As they grow, Pristipomoides filamentosus tends to eat larger prey. - **Primary Foods:** Small fish, Squid, Octopus, Crabs, Shrimp - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Shortfin lanternfish (*Myctophum affine*) — A common prey fish in deep waters. - **Hunts:** Swordtip squid (*Uroteuthis edulis*) — Frequently hunted in their deep-sea habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Oceanic whitetip shark](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oceanic-whitetip-shark) (*Carcharhinus longimanus*) — Larger sharks prey on these snapper. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Marine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/marine): Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always be careful around water and never swim alone. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pristipomoides filamentosus? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Pristipomoides filamentosus? 40-100 cm ### How much does Pristipomoides filamentosus weigh? 1-8.2 kg ### How long does Pristipomoides filamentosus live? 10-18 years ### What does Pristipomoides filamentosus eat? A skilled hunter, eating smaller fish and squids found in the deep ocean. ### How fast can Pristipomoides filamentosus swim? 25 km/h ### Where is Pristipomoides filamentosus usually found? Coastal areas ### How does Pristipomoides filamentosus hunt? Pursuit ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Pristipomoides filamentosus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pristipomoides-filamentosus)