Blackspotted rubberlip – Plectorhinchus gaterinus

Blackspotted rubberlip, Blackspotted Rubberlips, Plectorhinchus gaterinus
Size: 50 cm
Depth: 35 - 80 m
Water Type: Marine
Toxicity: Toxic hazard unknown
Red List Status: Not evaluated (NE)
Temperature: 71.6 °F - 27,4 °F (22°C - 27,4°C)

The Blackspotted Rubberlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus gaterinus, is a captivating species of fish found in the vast marine environments.

Description & Characteristics

The Blackspotted Rubberlips is a relatively large fish, reaching a maximum size of 50.0 cm. It is recognized by its distinctive black spots scattered across its body, particularly prominent on the head and back. This unique spotting pattern distinguishes it from other members of the Plectorhinchus genus.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Blackspotted Rubberlips is a demersal fish, meaning it lives close to the bottom of the ocean. Its depth range extends from 55.0 to 80.0 meters, primarily within the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the ocean. These zones encompass the area from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 m water depth. This signifies that the Blackspotted Rubberlips thrives in the neritic zone, a marine environment characterized by its proximity to the coast.

Taxonomy

The Blackspotted Rubberlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus gaterinus, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Haemulidae. This taxonomic classification places it within a diverse group of fish, highlighting its evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics with other members of its family, order, and class.

Feeding

The Blackspotted Rubberlips exhibits a diverse diet, consuming a range of organisms found within its marine habitat. Its diet includes brine shrimps, clam meat, clams, krill, living food, lobster eggs, mysis, plankton, snails, and worms. This varied feeding strategy allows it to adapt to the availability of food sources in its environment.

Associated Species

Image References

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