Latin name

Uranoscopus bicinctus

Other names

Uranoscopus bicinctus

Identification

They have a large head, flat on top, covered laterally and on top with flat tubercles. The eyes are located on the top of the head and point upward, vision is binocular. The mouth is large and pointed upward. There are teeth not only on the jaws, but also on the coulter and palatine. The lips are covered with a fringe that filters out sand when breathing. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 4-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 13.

Fish colouring

Body dark brown with three distinct broad black stripes. Breathing valve in the lower jaw with a thick orange tentacle. The Indonesian form has a pale body with dark spots. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region from India east to Indochina, then north to Japan and China, also off the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia.

Habitat

Tropical marine reef fish. It inhabits sandy and gravel bottoms at depths down to 100 meters. 

Size

Reaches a maximum length of 29.5 cm. Maximum published weight: 453.00 g.

Behavior

They hide on sandy bottoms and suck food into their mouths along with sand and debris.

Food and feeding habits

Predator. Stalks its prey by burrowing into the sand. Feeds on fish and invertebrates.

Reproduction

Eggs are characterized by large size, there is no fat droplet. Larvae hatch relatively well formed. The mouth is mobile, the pectoral fins are rather large and vibrate continuously. Eyes are intensely pigmented. The yolk sac is rather large.  

Fishing

They have little commercial value. Fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

A species of fish that is harmless to humans.