Grooved Razorfish

Centriscus scutatus is a species of fish from the Centriscidae family. The scientific name of this species was first published in 1758 by Linnaeus.

Description

Centriscus scutatus is a slender fish that reaches a length of 15 cm. It has a silvery body with reddish-brown to blackish mid-lateral stripe. The main dorsal-fin spine is moderately long and is unjointed. Body is wafer-thin, encased in protective transparent plates, joined by saw-edged sutures along the side of the body; dorsal spine rigid, unjointed; interorbital space with large groove continuing to crown of the head; snout long and tubular. Caudal and soft first dorsal fins placed ventrally; spinous dorsal fin rigid, positioned at rear of body (in usual position of caudal fin). Dorsal fin III, 10-12; Anal fin 11-12.

Distribution

In the Indian and Pacific oceans, from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf up to Japan, New Caledonia and Australia.

Habitat

It is found at depth between 2 and 333 m (typically 2–15 m). This coastal species inhabit mud or silty sand next to sea grasses, corals, crinoids or urchins. It swims almost vertically, sometimes in large groups, with head pointed downwards. It feeds on small crustaceans.