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Shortsnout spikefish (Triacanthodes ethiops) — Triacanthodidae

Shortsnout spikefish

Triacanthodes ethiops
NE · Not Evaluated

The Shortsnout spikefish (Triacanthodes ethiops) is a saltwater fish of the family Triacanthodidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–458.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The shortsnout spikefish is a small spikefish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches only about 9 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with a short snout and a strong, lockable first dorsal spine. As a bottom-dweller it lives on soft bottoms of the continental slope, at depths between roughly 50 and 460 metres, and feeds on small benthic life. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shortsnout spikefish?

The Shortsnout spikefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Shortsnout spikefish live?

The Shortsnout spikefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Shortsnout spikefish get?

The Shortsnout spikefish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Shortsnout spikefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Shortsnout spikefish is harmless to humans.

Is the Shortsnout spikefish edible?

The Shortsnout spikefish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kortsnuit-spitsvis verified
English name
Shortsnout spikefish verified
Scientific name
Triacanthodes ethiops
Family
Triacanthodidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
458.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Triacanthodes

More from the family Triacanthodidae

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