Blotch-finned waspfish

📖 Overview

Blotch-finned waspfish (Ocosia dorsomaculata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Tetrarogidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 140 and 545 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 7; Vertebrae: 26 - 27. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: A 5-7 (mode 6); pectoral-fin rays 12-14 (13); lateral-line pores 15-20 (18) ;total gill rakers 9-14 (10) no papillae on the upper and lower lips; prsence of supraocular spine, a small lateral lacrimal spine (sometimes absent in specimens larger than 8.78 cm SL) and suborbital spine (sometimes absent in specimens larger than 9.38 cm SL); second dorsal-fin spine length 26.5-42.8% (mean 33.9%) of SL; third dorsal-fin spine shorter or subequal to second spine, its length 74.8-97.9% (83.8%) of D2L; membrane of spinous portion of dorsal fin incised. Colouration: body with 11-15 longitudinal pale brown to dark brown bars along lateral line from behind opercular margin to caudal-fin base; irregular pale brown to dark brown blotches 1 or 2 on dorsal-fin membrane between fifth to ninth spines .Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Blotch-finned waspfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Blotch-finned waspfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Blotch-finned waspfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 140 - 545 m . Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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