SUNAIFI - صنيفى - DUSKY SPINEFOOT 1KG

SUNAIFI - صنيفى - DUSKY SPINEFOOT

Environment/Climate/Range	Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m. Subtropical, 35°N - 35°S
Distribution	Western Indian Ocean: Persian Gulf; Red Sea and East Africa to islands in the western Indian Ocean. Immigrant to Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
Size / Weight / Age	It attains a Max length : 30.0 cm; common length : 20.0 cm
Short description	Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 13. Regional variation in color exists. Anterior spines of median fins slender and pungent, posterior spines stout, all venomous including that on the nape. Preopercular angle 87-97 degrees. Anterior nostril with a long, broad flap covering posterior nostril when depressed. Variable cheek scalation. Midline of thorax devoid of scales between the pelvic ridges
Biology	Found in small schools in very shallow water close to the bottom. Prefer hard bottoms of compacted sand with rock or coral debris. Solitary adults and groups of 3 or 4 adults have also been observed. Feed on a wide range of benthic algae. May suddenly stop and erect its fins (dorsal, anal and pelvic) presenting an encircling array of spined to potential predators; these spines are venomous. A food fish that is occasionally poisonous. Probably does not adapt well in captivity.