| Pterois sphex | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Scorpaeniformes |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Pteroinae |
| Genus: | Pterois |
| Species: | P. sphex |
| Binomial name | |
| Pterois sphex Jordan & Evermann, 1903[1] |
|
Pterois sphex is a scorpaenid fish of the genus Pterois, which is known commonly as the Hawaiian Turkeyfish.[2] This species is found in the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically in marine waters off of Hawaii. Pterois sphex is found in seaward reefs and lagoons at a depth range of 3 – 122 m.[3]
This fish has thirteen dorsal spines and about 50-55 vertical scale rows (ctenoid scales).[4] It reaches a maxium length of 22 cm.[5]
Pterois sphex is a nocturnal feeder, preying on crustaceans. It hides in caves during the day.[6]