Malthopsis provocator Whitley, 1961
Prickle triangular batfish

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  6.21 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 200 - 475 m
Distribution:  Southwestern Pacific: eastern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13; principal bucklers are small and flattened; interspaces fully covered by small bucklers and spinules; posterior portion of skull with 5-6 irregular rows of medium-sized bucklers; rostrum pointed, usually directed more upward than forward; subopercular buckler is weak, strongly reduced or bearing few spinelets at its tip; ventral surface (including belly and thoracic region) covered with minute prickles between mid-sized bucklers; orbit large, 11.6%-13.6% SL; interorbital space narrow, 4.7%-7.5% SL; rostrum short, 6.7%-10.6% SL; anal fin not reaching caudal-fin base when appressed (Ref. 123774).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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