Sculptured seamoth

📖 Overview

A benthic species found inshore of the continental shelf in muddy, silty and sandy bottoms, usually with seagrass; intertidal to 50 m depth . Large numbers of individuals are known to congregate in the shallows of estuaries. The species is capable of burying itself in the sediment and change colors to match the background.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 22. Body light to dark brown, olive or blue dorsally and laterally, light brown ventrally. Tail rings 14, anteriormost 7 mobile, remaining 7 fused; terminal tail rings with dorsal and ventral pairs of posteriorly directed spines; rostrum square in cross section; interpectoral plate absent. 4 pairs dorsolateral body plates; 5 pairs ventrolateral body plates; suborbital shelf convex, obscuring eye from ventral view; deep pits on dorsal surface of head and within interorbital depression absent. Orbit with small scales.: other; Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sculptured seamoth is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Sculptured seamoth is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Spawning occurs as male & female swim from vent to vent, about 1 meter off the bottom, while they release eggs & sperms. The pair separates and each swims away as the eggs begin a pelagic phase.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 20 - 50 m . Temperate; 33°S - 45°S endemic to the temperate waters of southern Australia and Tasmania.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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