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Cyclichthys orbicularis (Bloch, 1785) Birdbeak burrfish |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes (burrfishes)) | |||
| Max. size: | 30 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 170 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Philippines, north to southern Japan, south to Australia and New Caledonia (Ref. 9680). Southeast Atlantic: south coast of South Africa (Ref. 4423). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Adults brown to grey with blotches and clusters of black spots on back and sides; pelagic juveniles covered with black spots (Ref. 4423). Description: Characterized by having scattered, moderately long, immovable spines on head and body, non wholly on caudal peduncle; short tube with two openings, nostril opening (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabit clear protected reefs with sponge and algal habitats. Often in large sponges during the day (Ref. 48637). Usually over sand and mud bottoms to at least 170 m (Ref. 30573). Occasionally on reefs (Ref. 9680). Active at night, feeding among reefs (Ref. 48637). A nocturnal species (Ref. 9710) that presumably feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates (Ref. 9680, 48637). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2023 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||