Dusky spinefoot
📖 Overview
Found in small schools in very shallow water close to the bottom. Prefer hard bottoms of compacted sand with rock or coral debris. Solitary adults and groups of 3 or 4 adults have also been observed. Feed on a wide range of benthic algae. May suddenly stop and erect its fins (dorsal, anal and pelvic) presenting an encircling array of spines to potential predators; these spines are venomous. A food fish that is occasionally poisonous . Probably does not adapt well in captivity . A thermophilic species . Minimum depth from Ref. 9710.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Regional variation in color exists. Anterior spines of median fins slender and pungent, posterior spines stout, all venomous including that on the nape. Preopercular angle 87-97 degrees. Anterior nostril with a long, broad flap covering posterior nostril when depressed. Variable cheek scalation. Midline of thorax devoid of scales between the pelvic ridges.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dusky spinefoot is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
The larvae maintain themselves near the water surface . Feeding on phytoplankton and zooplankton begins 3 days after hatching .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m . Subtropical; 35°N - 35°S East Africa to islands in the western Indian Ocean.
🌿 Ecology
a wide range of benthic algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Dusky spinefoot ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.