Pterois russelii Bennett, 1831
Plaintail turkeyfish
photo by Brennan, L.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Pteroinae
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 15 - 60 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Persian Gulf and East Africa to New Guinea, south to Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. This species is distinguished by having no spots on the median fins and generally, its shorter dorsal spines (Ref. 74961). Description: Characterized by having head and body with numerous reddish-brown bars of variable width, separated by narrow white bars; generally brownish pectoral fins without prominent dark bands; dorsal spines free of membrane except basally; enlarged and wing-like pectoral fins with rays free of membrane distally, unbranched rays; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Benthic (Ref. 68964). Found on muddy substrates, from well-protected shallow estuaries to quiet, deep offshore reefs (Ref. 9710, 48635). Also found in bays and coastal waters, solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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