Malthopsis apis Ho & Last, 2021
Apine triangular batfish

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  5.96 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 260 - 457 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: rostrum short (length 6.5%-10.0% SL), pointed and needle-like, with a small base and curved slightly and directed anterodorsally; body covered with small, pointed spiny bucklers; posterior portion of skull with 3 irregular rows of small bucklers (those in lateral rows are much larger than those in median row); broad naked areas on shoulder and gill cavity; ventral surface of disk is densely covered by small pointed bucklers, slightly larger and denser on breast than belly; the subopercular buckler with well-developed spines, with anteriormost directed forward, lateral spine directed outward, and 1-2 posteriormost spines directed backward; orbit is large, its diameter 13.8%-15.5% SL; both post-subopercular bucklers with one or more sharp spines; interorbital space narrow (3.7%-5.5% SL); OD/RL = 1.4-2.4; OD/IO = 2.7-4.2; anal fin reaching or beyond the caudal-fin base when appressed; D 5-6; pectoral-fin rays 11-13 (Ref. 123774).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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