Trichonotus setiger Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Spotted sand-diver
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Trichonotidae (Sanddivers)
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 80 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 39-41. Males recognized by long dorsal fin rays and large size (Ref. 48636). Under dorsal fin with 1 or 2 free pterygiophores (Ref 12934).
Biology:  Found in steep sand slopes in large aggregations (Ref. 8631). Hovers above clean sandy bottoms; darts into the sand when disturbed. Usually slightly silty habitat. Usually seen resting on substrate, leaving substrate to grab prey from zooplankton floating over, or when displaying (Ref. 48636).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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