Abalistes stellatus
Abalistes stellatus is a member of the triggerfish family that occurs along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and along the western edge of the Pacific Ocean.[1]
Abalistes stellatus | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | A. stellatus |
Binomial name | |
Abalistes stellatus (Anonymous in Lacépède, 1798) | |
Environment
Abalistes stellatus lives primarily in mud and silt; however, on sloping ground it often is found some distance above the surface.[1] It is generally found on deep coastal slopes.[1] Adults may be found in estuaries, and juveniles of the species spend much of their pre-adult life there for protection.[1] As a result of these varied habitats, adults range from 7–350 m in depth.[1]
Biology
Abalistes stellatus grows to be about 60 cm in length.[1] It has 25-27 dorsal rays (including spines) and 24-25 anal rays.[1] As well its body is dark gray fading to olive and is covered in small white spots.[1]