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Dactyloscopus tridigitatus Gill, 1859 Sand stargazer |
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photo by
Vaske Jr., T. |
| Family: | Dactyloscopidae (Sand stargazers) | |||
| Max. size: | 9 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 29 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Atlantic: ranges from the vicinity of Fort Pierce, southeastern Florida, to Ubatuba, State of Saõ Paolo, Brazil. The species is well represented in the Bahamas and Antilles, on western Caribbean shores from Quintana Roo, Mexico to Venezuela (Ref. 27742). Also in Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, coasts of Central and South America to Brazil (Ref. 26938). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-30; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 31-34 | |||
| Biology: | Mostly found in shallow surf. Burrows in soft sandy bottom, where it waits for prey, with only the eyes, nose and mouth protruding. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 October 2007 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||