WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Long-rayed Sand Diver

Trichonotus elegans

Also known as: Elegant Sand Diver, Threadfin Sand Diver

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016
Adult
@greatwhite · Lembeh Resort, Indonesia · August 20081 / 3
01

Overview

Found in harems, hovering above sandy slopes, diving head first into the sand if disturbed, or buried in the sand when there is no current running, over channels, coastal reefs, and deep outer reefs.

Sand Divers get their name because when alarmed or predators are near, they dive into the sand and swim through the sand to safety.
Males displaying filaments in the dorsal fin, which they use to keep the females and juveniles following close behind.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Pattern
spots
Fins & Tail
filament fins

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 3
LIVES IN

Found in harems, hovering above sandy slopes, diving head first into the sand if disturbed, or buried in the sand when there is no current running, over channels, coastal reefs, and deep outer reefs.

04

Adult photos 3

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderGobiiformes
    5. familyTrichonotidae
    6. genusTrichonotus
    7. speciesTrichonotus elegans Shimada & Yoshino, 1984

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Gobiiformes