Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body rounded, flattened, disc-like; eyes partially dorsal, convex space inbetween; color brownish, tan, olive to yellowish gray, reticulated pattern; no rostrum; pectoral fins fan-like, protrude at angle from head and body, has dark bars; body behind disc narrows to a V-shape ending in caudal fin; upper body covered with tubercles; pelvic fins small, flared, with fleshy pads |
Similar Species |
There are 3 species of pancake batfishes in the Gulf. This species, H. aculeatus, is destinguished by 2 narrow bands on the pectoral fins, reticulated pigmented pattern on dorsal side, tubercles small, but sharp, and no tubercles between orbits. H.bispinosus, the spiny batfish, has strong sharp tubercles between orbits and on dorsum and tail, trifid (3 lobes) tubercles on margins, and get larger than other species. H.intermedius, the Louisiana pancake batfish, has short blunt tubercles on body and disk margins and no tubercles between orbits. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
10 cm (4 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 4-6; (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
May have an illicium (esca), a fleshy lure-like extension on the snout, in large fishes. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |