New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Polka dot waspfish

Ocosia zaspilota Poss & Eschmeyer, 1975
Max Length
7 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
192–247 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Polka dot waspfish (Ocosia zaspilota) 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 7 cm. It occurs at depths between 192 and 247 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. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Ocosia zaspilota
Authority
Poss & Eschmeyer, 1975
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
7 cm
Depth Range
192–247 m
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6; Vertebrae: 28. No spines on the lateral surface of the lachrymal nor on the lateral surface of the first suborbital bone . Second and third dorsal spines very elongate in larger specimens. Body with large irregular dark brown spots.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Polka dot waspfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Polka dot waspfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Polka dot waspfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 192 - 247 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Philippines.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.2±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00479 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
7cm
Dorsal Spines
15
Dorsal Rays
8
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
6
Vertebrae
28

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2024

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
32.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Poss & Eschmeyer, 1975

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Polka dot waspfish ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.