Abalistes stellatus
Abalistes stellatus is a member of the triggerfish family that occurs along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and along the western edge of the Pacific Ocean.[1]
| Abalistes stellatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Balistidae |
| Genus: | Abalistes |
| Species: | A. stellatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Abalistes stellatus (Anonymous in Lacépède, 1798) | |
Environment
Abalistes stellatus lives primarily in mud and silt; however, on sloping ground it often is found some distance above the surface.[1] It is generally found on deep coastal slopes.[1] Adults may be found in estuaries, and juveniles of the species spend much of their pre-adult life there for protection.[1] As a result of these varied habitats, adults range from 7–350 m in depth.[1]
Biology
Abalistes stellatus grows to be about 60 cm in length.[1] It has 25-27 dorsal rays (including spines) and 24-25 anal rays.[1] As well its body is dark gray fading to olive and is covered in small white spots.[1]