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Rachycentron blochii Panhwar & Kashani, 2024 |
| Family: | Rachycentridae (Cobia) | |||
| Max. size: | ||||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Pakistan. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-27; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 23-23. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body torpedo-shaped with a depressed head that binds to a row of small spines spaced out in front of its dorsal fin; eyes small and masked by a grayish shade, with snout slightly pointed; lower jaw projects toward the upper jaw; origin of the dorsal fin (27 rays) at mid-point of the third body spot; triangular, curved fins and caudal fin displayed differently are key distancing characters; pelvic fin reaching above the curved part of the pectoral fin; villiform teeth on jaws, roof of mouth, and tongue (Ref. 132435). | |||
| Biology: | Stomach contents of the specimens examined included small fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fishes which were mainly digested. Caught by baited hooks. A highly sought fish species, and is usually sold prior to auction (Ref. 132435). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||