Comet

Calloplesiops altivelis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Ovalentaria incertae sedis
Family: Plesiopidae
Genus: Calloplesiops
Species: Calloplesiops altivelis

The comet (Calloplesiops altivelis), also called the marine betta, is a dark, white-spotted fish that mimics the head of a moray eel with its tail. An eyespot near the base of its dorsal fin completes the illusion.

It grows to about 15-20 cm and hunts small fish and shrimps. When threatened it pokes its head into a hole, leaving the 'moray' tail on display.

In the Philippines it is found in caves, crevices and under ledges on reefs, and is shy and mostly seen at dusk or night.