Rhinecanthus aculeatus is a very common inhabitant of Maldivian reefs, often seen sleeping on its side at night and making a whirring noise when startled. It is also a popular aquarium fish.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 28 cm
color
Pale brown shading to white below. Complexly coloured with blackish, blue and yellow bands. Peduncular spines black edged with blue. Anus black.
Inhabiting shallow lagoon reefs that are mainly composed of sand, these omnivorous creatures feed on a variety of invertebrates, fishes, and algae.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has three spines and 24-26 rays, the anal fin has 21-23 rays, the pectoral fin has 12-14 rays, the head is pointed and the dorsal and ventral profiles are nearly straight. Additionally, there are three rows of forward curving spines on the caudal peduncle and the caudal fin is rounded to double emarginate with regular corners.