Hypopterus macropterus (Günther, 1859)
Spikey bass

Family:  Latidae (Lates perches)
Max. size:  13.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Endemic to Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-14; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished from other latid species by the following set of characters: deeper body depth 42-44% (mean 44% of SL); lower counts, 6 ½/ 9 ½-10 ½ scale rows above and below lateral line; lower counts of pored lateral-line scales (43-44); gill rakers 7 [including 6 rudiments]+1+11 [including 3 rudiments] = 19 [including 9 rudiments]; last dorsal-fin spine / penultimate dorsal-fin spine 1.7-2.1. Colouration: head and body olive brown, darker above lateral line and on dorsal region of head, lighter below, ventrally lighter silvery reflection with eight indistinct bands of ovoid dark spots in center of each scale on head and body (Ref. 124584).
Biology:  Occurs inshore over soft bottom (Ref. 7300).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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