Batesian Mimicry between a Cardinalfish (Apogonidae) and a Venomous Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the Philippine Islands

Abstract

An apparent case of Batesian mimicry involving the cardinalfish Fowleria sp. and the venomous scorpionfish Scorpaenodes guamensis is described . Classical definitions of Batesian systems require that the mimic be less common than the model. The present data do not suggest a classical Batesian mimetic system. However, if the model is considered to be the generalized scorpaenid morph characteristic of S. guamensis and other Philippine scorpaenids, then the mimetic association between Fowleria sp. and S corpaenodes guamensis is a classical Batesian system.