Pterois andover Allen & Erdmann, 2008
Andover lionfish
Pterois andover
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Pteroinae
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed); 16.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 3 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea; also expected from the East Indian region, Sabah and the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,11; A III,7; pectoral rays 12-14 (usually 13); vertical scale rows in longitudinal scale series 62-72; horizontal scale rows above lateral line 9-10; below lateral line 13-15; dorsal spines with narrow, inconspicuous membrane on posterior edge with exaggerated pennant-like flap distally; relatively few dark spots on median fins, 5-28 on dorsal fin, 10-19 on anal fin, and 17-41 on caudal fin; first dorsal spine is relatively short, with an average length of 14.95% of SL (Ref. 74961).
Biology:  Occurs on or near turbid inshore reefs surrounded by soft sand-mud bottoms, often in the proximity of freshwater discharge (Ref. 74961).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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