Categories
FARSH - فرش - PAINTED SWEETLIPS
Environment/Climate/Range | Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 170 m, usually 1 - 50 m. Tropical, preferred 28°C; 35°N - 35°S, 25°E - 170°E |
Distribution | Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Japan, south to New Caledonia. |
Size / Weight / Age | It attains a Max length : 100.0 cm FL male/unsexed; common length : 55.0 cm; max. published weight: 6.3 kg |
Short description | Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-25; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7. |
Biology | Typically found solitary or in groups, often in turbid water. on open muddy, sandy or silty substrates in protected bays or estuaries, around rock outcrops, wreckage and debris. Also in shallow coastal areas and coral reefs. Juveniles are found in weedy areas. Feeds on benthic invertebrates and fishes. Reportedly ciguatoxic in some areas. Marketed fresh and frozen. Five subspecies recognized across Indo-Pacific region including D. p. labiosum and D. p. pictum. |