Diana’s Pigfish

Interesting Info

• Diana’s Pigfish are not widely distributed across Australia, found along the northern coast of Queensland and Western Australia from the North West Cape to the Kimberley region coastline.
• They have a distinctive appearance, with adult males displaying vibrant colours, including a reddish-pink body with blue lines and spots. Females and non-breeding males have a more subdued coloration, typically exhibiting mottled patterns of brown, yellow, and white.
• Diana’s Pigfish are carnivorous predators that primarily feed on small invertebrates, including crustaceans, molluscs, and worms. They are known to selectively feed on coral polyps and exhibit territorial behaviour while foraging in their reef habitat.
• These fish often exhibit strong associations with specific coral species. They utilise the coral structures for protection, territoriality, and foraging opportunities.
• They are known to exhibit social behaviour, forming loose aggregations or small groups within their preferred reef habitats. These groups can consist of both males and females, and they may interact and communicate with each other through various visual displays and movements.
• Diana’s Pigfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they have the ability to change sex from female to male during their lifetime. When a dominant male is absent from a group, the largest and most dominant female will undergo a sex change and assume the role of a male.
• Their estimated average lifespan is up to 8 years.