Pterois sphex
| Pterois sphex | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Scorpaeniformes |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Pteroinae |
| Genus: | Pterois |
| Species: | P. sphex |
| Binomial name | |
| Pterois sphex D. S. Jordan & Evermann, 1903[1] | |
Pterois sphex, the Hawaiian lionfish or Hawaiian turkeyfish, is a scorpaenid fish[2] found in the eastern Central Pacific, specifically in marine waters off of Hawaii. It is found in seaward reefs and lagoons at depths from 3 – 122 m.[3]
Description
This fish has 13 dorsal spines and about 50–55 vertical scale rows (ctenoid scales).[4] It reaches a maximum length of 22 cm.[5]
Behavior and diet
The Hawaiian turkeyfish is a nocturnal feeder, preying on crustaceans. It hides in caves during the day.[6]
References
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