| Family: |
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Pteroinae |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Mauritius, Reunion, Maldives and Sri Lanka (Ref. 33390) to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Scott Reef. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Eye-like spots in the soft dorsal fin and feeler-like tentacles in front of the mouth (Ref. 48635). Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth. The only species of Dendrochirus with a pair of distinct ocelli on the soft-rayed dorsal fin (Ref. 37816).
Description: Characterized by reddish brown color with three pinkish to yellowish bars on body; pectoral fins with white and brown bands; deeply incised membranes of spinous portion of dorsal fin; enlarged and wing-like pectoral fin with rays of upper half fully connected by membranes, rays of lower half unbranched and free of membrane distally; depth of body about 2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
An uncommon inhabitant of clear waters rich in corals to depths of 40 m or more. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89972). Secretive and usually observed at night. During the day in caves and sponges, and usually well out of sight (Ref. 48635). Venomous spines. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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