Mottled twister
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing in the genus ; Adults are found predominantly in tide pools and upper subtidal areas. Are solitary. They feed mainly on amphipods, isopods, polychaetes, and small gastropods. Males may defend small breeding territories during the breeding season (Ref 13227). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites . Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 18 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 15; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 17 - 22. With 17-22 soft anal fin rays, 17-25 lateral line scales, 35-42 +1 total lateral scale rows, and the body with an irregular or without a checker-board pattern, extending to level of belly.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mottled twister is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Eggs are laid in empty barnacle shells found in rocky areas. The nest is guarded by the male while the eggs are covered with water. Juveniles are found in the intertidal region between August and December .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 5 m . Temperate Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.
🌿 Ecology
amphipods, isopods, polychaetes, and small gastropods
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
👥 Community & Contribute
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