| Family: |
Dactyloscopidae (Sand stargazers) |
| Max. size: |
6.4 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to Panama. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 16-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 25-26. Pale tan or white with 4 broad reddish-brown bands on side between nape and caudal fin base. Dorsal and caudal fin rays have dark spots. 3 spines in dorsal finlet (Ref. 26938). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits sand and rubble areas around coral reefs or exposed rocks. Absent from surf beaches (Ref. 27742). The reddish-brown bands along the sides of the fish serve as camouflage when the fish partially buries itself in sand (Ref. 26938). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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