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Sebastapistes mauritiana (Cuvier, 1829) Spineblotch scorpionfish |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae | |||
| Max. size: | 9.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Rapa islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Samoa. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Underside of head with weak dark bars; spinous dorsal normally with dark spot (Ref. 4313). Strong coronal ridges with spine; distinct occipital pit, deepening with age (Ref. 37816). Description: Characterized by red to greenish brown color with white blotches; ctenoid scales; presence of palatine teeth; slightly depressed interorbital space; two spines extending ventrally over upper lip in lacrimal; prominent head pores; depth of body about 2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits outer intertidal reef flats and shallow lagoon reefs exposed to wave action. Solitary and cryptic (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | venomous | |||