The Bighead Searobin, Prionotus tribulus, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Triglidae, commonly known as searobins. This fish is characterized by its distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The Bighead Searobin, Prionotus tribulus, is a medium-sized fish that can reach a maximum size of 35.0 cm. This species is easily recognizable due to its large, flattened head, which is covered in bony plates and spines. The mouth is positioned at the bottom of the head, giving it a slightly upturned appearance. The body is elongated and compressed, with a distinctive dorsal fin that consists of two separate parts – a spiny anterior section and a soft posterior section. The pectoral fins are large and fan-like, and they are often used to support the fish on the seabed.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bighead Searobin, Prionotus tribulus, is typically found in depths ranging from 9.0 to 183.0 meters. They are commonly observed in the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones of the ocean, inhabiting a variety of bottom types, including sandy, muddy, and rocky areas. Their distribution extends across various marine ecosystems, making them a prevalent presence in these aquatic environments.
Taxonomy
The Bighead Searobin, Prionotus tribulus, is scientifically classified under the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Triglidae. These classifications indicate its position within the broader realm of bony fish, with the specific order further categorizing it as a member of the perch-like fishes.
Feeding
The Bighead Searobin, Prionotus tribulus, is a predatory fish that feeds primarily on a diet of crustaceans, fish (little fishes), invertebrates, krill, mysis, schrimps, worms, and zoobenthos. Their feeding habits are adapted to their benthic lifestyle, allowing them to effectively forage for prey on the seabed. They use their large pectoral fins to support themselves while searching for food, and they employ their prominent mouths to capture their prey.
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