About Tetrosomus reipublicae (Whitley, 1930)
Appearance
The smallspine turretfish (Tetrosomus reipublicae) is a species of boxfish whose base body color ranges from greenish to brown or pinkish. Juvenile individuals have dark spot markings; as the fish grow, the number of blue spots and blue lines on their body increases.
Body Structure
This species has two spines along the dorsal ridge that runs down its back, and its carapace has a triangular cross-section. It has a small mouth and a pointed snout, and its dorsal fin is positioned further forward than its anal fin.
Size
The maximum published total length for this species is 30 centimetres (12 inches).
Distribution
Smallspine turretfish are found in the tropical Indo-west Pacific region, with a range that extends from East Africa through Indonesia, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. In Australia, the species is found from Albany to northeast of the Monte Bello Islands in Western Australia, and from northern Queensland south to Tathra in New South Wales, as well as in the Lord Howe Province in the Tasman Sea.
Habitat
It inhabits inshore reefs and seagrass meadows.
