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Perciformes/Scorpaenoidei (Scorpionfishes) >
Aploactinidae (Velvetfishes)
Etymology: Cocotropus: Greek, kokkos = berry, seed + Greek, tropsis, tropo = turning (Ref. 45335); microps: Name referrong to the small, inconspicuous eyes.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 14 m (Ref. 57897). Subtropical
Southwest Pacific: eastern Australia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 3.9 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 57897)
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 24. This species is characterized by the following: Dorsal XII, 7; anal II, 5; pectoral 10-11; pelvic I, 3; caudal 16-17; with all fin rays unbranched; vertebrae 24. Dorsal fin with anterior, middle and posterior portions notably elevated, first interspace moderately scalloped, second deeply notched; the dorsal membrane is connected posteriorly to the caudal peduncle; head, body and fins densely covered with scales, modified to form velvety prickles; a small fleshy extension on the anterior of the isthmus; frontal ridges parallel on interorbital; body and fins variously marked with pale or white blotches, or small irregular spots (Ref. 57897).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.
Collected among rocky substrate or rocky reef with some coral growth (Ref. 57897).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Johnson, J.W., 2004. Two new species and two new records of aploactinid fishes (Pisces: Scorpaeniformes) from Australia. Rec. Aust. Mus. 56(2):179-188. (Ref. 57897)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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