Spotted sand-diver
📖 Overview
Found in steep sand slopes in large aggregations . Hovers above clean sandy bottoms; darts into the sand when disturbed. Usually slightly silty habitat. Usually seen resting on substrate, leaving substrate to grab prey from zooplankton floating over, or when displaying .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 39 - 41. Males recognized by long dorsal fin rays and large size . Under dorsal fin with 1 or 2 free pterygiophores (Ref 12934).: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotted sand-diver is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Spotted sand-diver is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Spotted sand-diver is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 80 m , usually 5 - 10 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spotted sand-diver is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 103 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotted sand-diver has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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