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Malthopsis provocator Whitley, 1961 Prickle triangular batfish |
| Family: | Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 6.21 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | bathydemersal; marine; depth range 200 - 475 m | |||
| Distribution: | Southwestern Pacific: eastern Australia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13; principal bucklers are small and flattened; interspaces fully covered by small bucklers and spinules; posterior portion of skull with 5-6 irregular rows of medium-sized bucklers; rostrum pointed, usually directed more upward than forward; subopercular buckler is weak, strongly reduced or bearing few spinelets at its tip; ventral surface (including belly and thoracic region) covered with minute prickles between mid-sized bucklers; orbit large, 11.6%-13.6% SL; interorbital space narrow, 4.7%-7.5% SL; rostrum short, 6.7%-10.6% SL; anal fin not reaching caudal-fin base when appressed (Ref. 123774). | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||