Author: (Rüppell, 1829)
FBname: Dusky spinefoot
Comments: Found in small schools in very shallow water close to the bottom.  Prefer hard bottoms of compacted sand with rock or coral debris.  Solitary adults and groups of 3 or 4 adults have also been observed.  Feed on a wide range of benthic algae.  May suddenly stop and erect its fins (dorsal, anal and pelvic) presenting an encircling array of spines to potential predators; these spines are venomous.  A food fish that is occasionally poisonous (Ref. 4537).  Probably does not adapt well in captivity (Ref. 12382).  A thermophilic species (Ref. 120766). Minimum depth from Ref. 9710.