Sebastapistes tinkhami, commonly known as the Tinkham’s Scorpionfish, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Scorpaenidae. This fish is characterized by its distinctive appearance and venomous spines, making it an interesting and sometimes feared inhabitant of the coral reefs it calls home.
Description & Characteristics
Sebastapistes tinkhami is a relatively small scorpionfish, reaching a maximum size of 10.0 cm. Its body is adorned with intricate patterns of reddish-brown and white, providing excellent camouflage against the coral background. Like other scorpionfish, it possesses venomous spines on its dorsal fin, which it uses as a defense mechanism against predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
Sebastapistes tinkhami is a common inhabitant of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. This species is typically found at depths ranging from 1.0 to 30.0 meters, making it a resident of both shallow and deeper reef environments. The species is often observed in the neritic zone, which encompasses the waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Sebastapistes tinkhami belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Scorpaenidae. The Scorpaenidae family, commonly known as scorpionfish, is a diverse group that includes over 400 species. The family is characterized by the presence of venomous spines, typically located on the dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins.
Feeding
Sebastapistes tinkhami is a sit-and-wait predator, relying on its camouflage to ambush unsuspecting prey. Its diet consists primarily of smaller fishes and invertebrates, which it captures with its large mouth and strong jaws. This species exhibits a unique hunting strategy, remaining stationary until prey comes within striking distance.
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