A Rare Discovery in Eilat: Divers Spot Unique Pineapple Fish

A rare fish has been found in the coral reef of the Gulf of Eilat. Divers discovered the fish, which is usually found at the bottom of the gulf, in the heart of the 'Sela Moshe' coral reserve, located on Eilat's southern beach.

This fish, known by the name Monocentris japonica, is nicknamed the Pineapple Fish due to its unique appearance.

Boaz Samurai, an underwater photography guide and a diver with thousands of dives under his belt, was the one who discovered the fish. He noted, "When we reached the large coral outcrop known as 'Sela Moshe' in the heart of the coral reserve on the southern beach, I noticed a tiny creature no more than a centimeter long floating against the current. Immediately, I understood it was a fish I had never seen before, very beautiful with spiny protrusions on its body."

Upon consulting a fish guide, Samurai identified the creature found in the coral reserve: "We discovered it's a very rare fish that usually resides in very deep waters, except during its juvenile stage, when it hides among coral arms at depths of up to 20 meters. I dive in the Gulf of Eilat daily as a diving and underwater photography guide, and this was the first time I came across this fish! It's exciting to know that nature is capable of preserving itself, renewing, and surviving the changes we humans bring about."