Ogcocephalus darwini Hubbs, 1958
Galápagos batfish
Ogcocephalus darwini
photo by Adams, M.J.

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  20.3 cm SL (male/unsexed); 21.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 120 m
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: Galapagos Islands south to Peru.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 19-20. Squamation shagreenlike and relatively smooth; bucklers obscured by a covering of fine spinules. Has a shorter disk margin compared to porrectus but higher modal pectoral fin ray count, 15. Lateral line scale count: subopercular 4-9; cheek usually 8 (6-9). Vertebrae usually 19 (Ref. 40824).
Biology:  Found on sandy bottoms and believed to be predatory, feeding on small invertebrates. Common below 10 m and seem to be incautious, unlike other batfishes which are limited in their range due to many predators.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 September 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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