Dinoperca petersi (Day, 1875)
Lampfish
Dinoperca petersi
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Dinopercidae (Cavebasses)
Max. size:  75 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 5,000.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Pakistan, southern Oman, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Presence in Somalia to be confirmed (Ref. 30573).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Blackish brown in color; body with white specks which fade in adults; black band from front of snout to angle of preopercle (Ref. 4363).
Biology:  Adults inhabit reefs to a depth of 50 m; juveniles in rocky shores (Ref. 4332). Also found under ledges and cave entrances. Makes a loud drumming sound.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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