Dr. Glen Whisson, Aqua Research and Monitoring Services, Australien
Info
Optivus elongatus lives in shallower coastal waters with rocky reefs where it hides during the day in cracks, crevices and caves.
The study "Structure of cryptic reef fish assemblages: relationships with habitat characteristics andpredator density" by Trevor J. Willis and Marti J. Anderson also states that this species can be found in kelp forests and in rocky areas that have been completely eaten by sea urchins (Urchin bars).
Optivus elongatus is a nocturnal zooplankton hunter that swallows its prey (crustaceans and fish larvae) completely with its large mouth.
Attention:
The animal releases a toxic white substance through pores in the skin as a defensive measure when it is captured.
Therefore this species should only be handled with gloves if possible.
Synonym: Trachichthys elongatus (Günther, 1859)
The study "Structure of cryptic reef fish assemblages: relationships with habitat characteristics andpredator density" by Trevor J. Willis and Marti J. Anderson also states that this species can be found in kelp forests and in rocky areas that have been completely eaten by sea urchins (Urchin bars).
Optivus elongatus is a nocturnal zooplankton hunter that swallows its prey (crustaceans and fish larvae) completely with its large mouth.
Attention:
The animal releases a toxic white substance through pores in the skin as a defensive measure when it is captured.
Therefore this species should only be handled with gloves if possible.
Synonym: Trachichthys elongatus (Günther, 1859)
