Inimicus caledonicus (Sauvage, 1878)
Chinese ghoul
Inimicus caledonicus
photo by Honeycutt, K.

Family:  Synanceiidae (Stonefishes), subfamily: Choridactylinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Andaman, India and Nicobar islands. Western Pacific: Thailand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Description: Characterized by having variable colors from yellowish to mottled brown; broad black band across middle portion of inner surface of pectoral fin and dark area covering upper basal portion of fin; first three dorsal spines broadly connected with membrane, remaining spines with membrane only at one-fifth basal part; lower two pectoral rays free of membrane; absence of scales; slightly elevated eyes; longer snout than postorbital length; depth of body 3.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Seldom noticed because of its efficient camouflage. Inhabits sand, rubble and mud bottoms in 15-60 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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