Animalia Life

Sanopus splendidus
FAMILY
Batrachoididae
TAXONOMY
Sanopus splendidus Collette, Starck, and Phillips, 1974, Cozumel Island, Mexico.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
None known.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The maximum size is 9.9 in (252 mm) standard length. There are three dorsal-fin spines; a single subopercular spine; no scales; no glands between the upper rays of the inner surface of pectoral fins; and an axillary pore present. All fins are bordered with black and orange-yellow.
DISTRIBUTION
Known only from off Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
HABITAT
Usually found in sand depressions under coral heads.
BEHAVIOR
Not known.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
An ambush predator feeding on small fishes and gastropods.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Not known.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. It is known only from off Cozumel Island and thus is potentially at risk.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Commonly photographed by scuba divers.

Other popular Animals