Tripterodon orbis Playfair, 1867
African spadefish
photo by Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, Muscat

Family:  Ephippidae (Spadefishes, batfishes and scats)
Max. size:  75 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 40 - 70 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: southern Africa to Algoa Bay, South Africa; to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including India and Sri Lanka.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-17. Silvery brown; with dark crossbands that disappear with growth (Ref. 5327).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters around reefs (Ref. 30573). Feeds on rock and coral-dwelling organisms (Ref. 5213). Flesh edible (Ref. 12484).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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