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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Twospot turkeyfish

Nemapterois biocellatus Fowler, 1938
Max Length
13 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.7
Depth
1–40 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
27.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

An uncommon inhabitant of clear waters rich in corals to depths of 40 m or more. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans . Secretive and usually observed at night. During the day in caves and sponges, and usually well out of sight . Venomous spines.

Scientific Name
Nemapterois biocellatus
Authority
Fowler, 1938
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
13 cm
Depth Range
1–40 m
Latitude
18°S – 32°N
Trophic Level
3.7
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
27.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Nemapterois
Nemapterois
Species
Twospot turkeyfish
Nemapterois biocellatus

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Eye-like spots in the soft dorsal fin and feeler-like tentacles in front of the mouth . Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth. The only species of Dendrochirus with a pair of distinct ocelli on the soft-rayed dorsal fin . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Twospot turkeyfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Twospot turkeyfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Twospot turkeyfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 40 m . Tropical; 32°N - 18°S north to southern Japan, south to Scott Reef.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.7±0.6
Food Items

small fishes and crustaceans (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01 × L3.02 (TL)
Max TL
13cm
Dorsal Spines
13
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
5

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
27.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.7
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
32°N – 18°S
Described By
Fowler, 1938

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Nemapterois Biocellatus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18.1 g
Omega-3 (total) 234 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Twospot turkeyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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