Scientific Name
Cocotropus microps

Common Name
Patchwork velvetfish

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 24. This species is characterized by the following: Dorsal XII, 7; anal II, 5; pectoral 10-11; pelvic I, 3; caudal 16-17; with all fin rays unbranched; vertebrae 24. Dorsal fin with anterior, middle and posterior portions notably elevated, first interspace moderately scalloped, second deeply notched; the dorsal membrane is connected posteriorly to the caudal peduncle; head, body and fins densely covered with scales, modified to form velvety prickles; a small fleshy extension on the anterior of the isthmus; frontal ridges parallel on interorbital; body and fins variously marked with pale or white blotches, or small irregular spots (Ref. 57897).

Classification

Classified By

Johnson, 2004

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Scorpionfishes and Flatheads (Scorpaeniformes)

Family

Velvetfishes (Aploactinidae)

Distribution

Region

Southwest Pacific

Distribution

Southwest Pacific: eastern Australia.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

14 m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 14 m (Ref. 57897)

Trophic Level

3.19 s.e. 0.53 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

3.9 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

Unknown

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated