Dactylopterus volitans

Size range: 35-40 cm

Common size: 38 cm

Max length : 50 cm

Depth range: 1-100 m

Habitat:

• Marine; brackish; reef-associated
• Soft - Found on sand, mud or over rocks in sandy areas.

Water column position:

Colors & patterns:

• A long, strong spine on lower gill cover edge
• Pectoral fin very large and fan-like, with front 6 rays separated as small lobe
• Body covered with thick scales
• mottled, pale-beige to reddish color, more brownish on back

Behavior:

• Exploring the bottom with the free part of the pectoral fins
• mostly active at night

Schooling characteristics:

Feeding: Benthic crustaceans, especially crabs, clams and small fishes

Native/Exotic:

EM notes: