Chelidonichthys lastoviza is a species of the Perciformes order that belongs to the family Triglidae . It is a fish that lives on sandy and/or muddy bottoms at depths between 35 and 150 meters, although in winter months it usually approaches shallower waters. The geographical distribution of the species includes the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of Norway to Angola, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
The maximum size of Chelidonichthys lastoviza is 40 cm in total length. Its body is elongated, with a larger diameter at the front than at the back. It has an armored appearance thanks to several bony plates present on its body, especially in the region of the rostrum. This is rounded in shape and with a practically vertical snout. Two relatively large eyes located on the upper sides of the face and a oerculum with strong and pointed spines stand out on the face. Chelidonichthys lastoviza specimens have two dorsal fins, the first consisting of between 9 and 11 spines, and the second has between 15 and 17 soft rays branched in its outer third. The pectoral fins are very elongated, reaching halfway to the base of the second dorsal fin. The three lowermost rays of the pectoral fins are free, and have undergone a modification, so that they have joints that allow specimens to walk on the substrate with them.
The color of the body of Chelidonichthys lastoviza is red, with small irregular black spots all over the body, as well as irregular whitish spots and several vertical stripes. The pectoral fins stand out from its livery, which have an electric blue border as well as some blue spots in the center of the fin.
Generally, Chelidonichthys lastoviza specimens are solitary and if we get too close to it, it will display its pectoral fins to make itself appear bigger than it really is, at which time we will enjoy its colorful pectoral fins, and the specimen will take the opportunity to walk away slowly on the substrate.
Chelidonichthys lastoviza‘s diet is based predominantly on small crustaceans.
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