Author: (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
FBname: Ocellated waspfish
Remark: Genus <i>Hypodytes</i>, according to Paxton et al. 1989 (Ref. 7300).
Comments: Inhabits soft bottoms of the continental shelf.  Primarily known from trawls over prawn-grounds but divers looking in suitable habitats can come across them, especially at night.  During the day it buries itself deep in the sand with just the eyes exposed.  When disturbed, it spreads its long pectoral fins with the bright upper color to deter predators.  It uses its fins to corner prey and has sensitive barbels below the mouth to detect those buried in the substrate (Ref. 48635).  Fin spines venomous (anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406))  (Ref. 30573).  Sold in small quantities either fresh or dried and salted in markets.  Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178.