Pteroidichthys amboinensis Bleeker, 1856

Body Shape

Pteroidichthys amboinensis has the elongate, compressed body that is typical of the genus Pteroidichthys.

Fin Structure

This species has 12 flexible spines and 9 soft rays in its dorsal fin, and 2 spines and 6 soft rays in its anal fin.

Snout Characteristics

It has a relatively short snout, which averages around 14% of its standard length.

Maxilla Position

The rear margin of the maxilla extends past a vertical line running through the centre of the pupil.

Cranial Spines and Tentacles

The species has supraorbital tentacles, and its posterior lacrimal spines are well developed, longer than the diameter of the orbit.

Body and Fin Tentacles

There are many tentacles across the body and fins.

Lacrimal and Suborbital Spines

The lateral lacrimal and suborbital spines are indistinct; they are normally very small spines, and frequently take the form of blunt, bony protuberances.

Dorsal Fin Marking

There is no distinct black blotch on the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin.

Colouration

These fish sometimes show a mottled blackish and reddish colouration, but can make wide changes to their overall colour and pattern.

Size

This species reaches a maximum known total length of 12 cm (4.7 in).

Distribution

Pteroidichthys amboinensis occurs in the Red Sea, through the Indian Ocean and into the western Pacific Ocean, reaching as far east as Fiji, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia.

Habitat and Depth

It is a demersal fish found at depths between 7 and 43 m (23 and 141 ft), living over soft substrates and among algae.