Draco waspfish

📖 Overview

Draco waspfish (Pseudovespicula dracaena) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.1, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6. Body light brown, irregularly blotched with darker brown; a broad dark band across interorbital, continuing as a bar below eye and another band from origin of dorsal fin to eye. Dorsal fin pale with a large dark brown blotch in middle of the fin, usually between 6th and 9th spines; other irregular blotches especially posteriorly. Caudal fin whitish with faint small dark spots. No scales. Body depth 2.45-3.1 in SL. Lacrimal with 2 spines, a short ventral one and a large posterior one that extends to below center of eye. Preopercle with a large spine in line with suborbital ridge; the second spine, lower, very small and blunt. Origin of dorsal fin above rear edge of eye; a broad space between 3rd and 4th dorsal spines, the associated membrane deeply incised, nearly dividing the dorsal into 2 fins. Caudal fin truncate, slightly rounded when spread .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Draco waspfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Draco waspfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Draco waspfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Subtropical Indian Ocean.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

👥 Community & Contribute