Inimicus sinensis (Valenciennes, 1833)
Spotted ghoul
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Synanceiidae (Stonefishes), subfamily: Choridactylinae
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 90 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Indian Ocean to Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819) and Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Description: Characterized by variable mottled pattern with shades of grey, brown, black and red, blends in surrounding substrate; dark brown or blackish with 15-35 relatively large yellow spots on inner surface of pectoral fin; first three dorsal spines broadly connected with membrane, remaining spines with membranes on basal one-fourth; lower two pectoral rays free of membrane; absence of scales; slightly elevated eyes; snout equal or longer than postorbital length; depth of body about 3.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in inshore waters of the continental shelf (Ref. 75154). Inhabits sandy bottoms near reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 75154). Anterolateral glandular grooves with venom gland (Ref. 57406). Also found in rubble and mud bottoms in 5-90 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 June 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous
Country info:  Also Ref. 90102.


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