Animalia Life

Ptarmus jubatus
FAMILY
Aploactinidae
TAXONOMY
Ptarmus jubatus Smith, 1935, Natal Coast, South Africa.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
None known.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Grows to 3.9 in (10 cm) maximum length. As is implied by the common name of their
FAMILY
, velvetfishes such as the crested scorpionfish have a derived “knobby” scale morphological feature that makes them feel velvety to the touch. The single, continuous dorsal fin originates over the eye. This species typically varies in coloring from light brown to black. It can be covered with white spots and has a black stripe through its eye.
DISTRIBUTION
Can be found from southern Mozambique down to the Natal coast of South Africa.
HABITAT
Usually found in relatively shallow water, particularly in weedy areas.
BEHAVIOR
Nothing is known.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
The diet of these fishes is unknown, but it is likely that they feed primarily on crustaceans. May be eaten by larger fishes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Nothing is known.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not listed by the IUCN.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Not collected commercially and reported to be nonvenomous.

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