TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and flatheads)
Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes)

Genus/species: Dendrochirus brachypterus

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Body reddish with vague broad bars, paired fins with bars and median fins with small dark spots. Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth. Males have larger heads than females and their pectoral fins are longer, extending back to the middle of their caudal peduncle, while the female’s pectoral fins may only reach as far as the base of the caudal peduncle. Max. length to 7 inches.

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DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Indo-West Pacific in mature reefs consisting of large aggregations of Acropora and other stony reef-building corals.

DIET IN THE WILD: Most active during dawn and dusk while feeding on small crustaceans.

REMARKS: Dorsal spines are venomous and the stings are similar to a bad wasp or bee sting. Treatment is to soak the affected area in hot water to denature the poison and call a physician.
Most active during dawn and dusk searching for food.

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Locomotion Cluster, Water Planet

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