Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836)
photo by Marotta, D.

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  38 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: North Carolina (USA), Bahamas and northwest Florida to Campeche Bank (Yucatan).
Diagnosis:  Bright pattern of dark spots on the pale pectoral fins. Small mouth. Wide interorbital distance and a thick, massive head on which, in large specimens rests a small, knoblike rostrum, because the rostrum is characterized by ontogenetic allometry: very long in juveniles, very short in adults. Lateral line scale count: subopercular 7-8; cheek series usually 8 (Ref. 40824).
Biology:  A rare species found on sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 September 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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