| Family: |
Aploactinidae (Velvetfishes) |
| Max. size: |
5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Australia (known only from Rottnest Island and Shark Bay in Western Australia and One Tree Islands, in the Capricorn Group of the southern Great Barrier Reef). Recently reported from the Chesterfield Islands (Ref. 13236). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body scales form expanded spinous points; each scale forms a blade-like ridge (Ref. 39602).
Description: Characterized by usually mottled dark grey color; median fins and pectorals with irregular white spots and blotches; head sometimes orange red with whitish band behind eye; separate fin is formed by first four dorsal spines separated by scales from succeeding spines; deep notch between seventh and eighth spines of second dorsal fin, giving the appearance of three dorsal fins; origin of dorsal fin above middle of eye; highly modified scales; two diverging spines in lacrimal; five blunt spines at rear margin of preopercle, decreasing in size ventrally; depth of body about 2.7-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in rocky reefs and soft-bottom trawling grounds. Also found in sand and rubble bottoms, usually near reefs in 3-4 m (Ref 90102). Minimum depth from Ref. 090102. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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