Harpagifer palliolatus Richardson, 1845
Crested spiny plunderfish
Harpagifer palliolatus
photo by Lloris, D.

Family:  Harpagiferidae (Spiny plunderfishes)
Max. size:  9.3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 22 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: endemic to the Falkland Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-25; Anal soft rays: 16-19. Reddish-olive with very large brown blotches (Ref. 11892).
Biology:  Common in the littoral zone, under rocks, but may occur to depths of 40-50 m (Ref. 5191). Accorded full species recognition because of the presence of tubular cephalic pores and a single knob bearing a tentacle above each eye, thus setting it apart from the other species (Ref. 5191). Feed on small crustaceans and common in littoral of all sub-Antarctic islands (Ref. 42041).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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