Spotted trunkfish
Lactophrys bicaudalis
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description:
Body with a triangular, bony box of armor. Whitish in color, with numerous black dots on the body, tail base and tail fin. White around the mouth. Two sharp spines in front of the anal fin, no spines above the eye. Large adults with three light spots in a diagonal row anteriorly on the body at the level of the eye.
Size up to 48 cm.
Habitat:
Found in clear water around coral reefs, down to 50 m. Sometimes under ledges and near small holes. Feeds on a variety of small bottom invertebrates. They are able to secrete a poison to kill the prey. Their way of locomotion is very characteristic: when at ease they swim by using only the dorsal, pectoral and anal fins. The tail fin is only used when high speed is required.
Distribution:
Occasional to uncommon Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.