Spotted Sand Diver
Trichonotus setiger
The elongated body features a series of about 12 brown saddle-like markings along the upper sides overlayed with pale bluish spots on a whitish background.
Morphology
Its extremely elongated body (up to 15 cm maximum size) with a single dorsal fin (the first dorsal rays of males are elongated) and a pointed snout adapted for its sand-diving behaviour are characteristic features.
Evolution
Belongs to a highly specialised family of fishes (Trichonotidae) containing only 10 species in the single genus Trichonotus.
Behaviour
Forms loose schools that swim close to sandy bottoms. Dives into sand and buries itself when threatened. Feeds on zooplankton.
Method of reproduction
Sexual. No details are known of the reproductive biology.
Habitat
Marine
Occurs over sand and rubble substrates down to 20 m depth.
Distribution
Wide ranging in the Indo-West Pacific region, from northern Australia to Japan and eastwards to Fiji.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Trichonotidae |
| Genus: | Trichonotus |
| Species: | setiger |
| Name Published Year: | 1801 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Bloch & Schneider |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/trichonotus-setiger
Accessed 4 Jul 2025
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