Pterois russelii Bennett, 1831
Plaintail turkeyfish
Pterois russelii
photo by Brennan, L.

 Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Pteroinae
 Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 15 - 60 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Persian Gulf and East Africa to New Guinea, south to Western Australia.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. This species is distinguished by having no spots on the median fins and generally, its shorter dorsal spines (Ref. 74961). Description: Characterized by having head and body with numerous reddish-brown bars of variable width, separated by narrow white bars; generally brownish pectoral fins without prominent dark bands; dorsal spines free of membrane except basally; enlarged and wing-like pectoral fins with rays free of membrane distally, unbranched rays; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Benthic (Ref. 68964). Found on muddy substrates, from well-protected shallow estuaries to quiet, deep offshore reefs (Ref. 9710, 48635). Also found in bays and coastal waters, solitary (Ref 90102).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  venomous
 Country info:  Reported from Tubbataha Reefs (Ref. 53416).

 Entered by: Torres, Armi G. - 15.09.92
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 23.11.15
 Checked by: Froese, Rainer - 14.06.94

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