divepix - Spotted Drumfish

Spotted Drumfish

Aspect:	Black-and-white vertical zebra pattern over head, turning longitudinal from front dorsal leading edge sweeping horizontally towards the tail fin. Rear dorsal fin and tail fin black with white dots. Juvenile has a disproportionately tall front dorsal fin, and a sharp eye will reveal a thin veil behind this, which is in fact what will eventually become the actual dotted rear dorsal fin. The Juvenile Equetus punctatus has no dots at all, not even on its tail fin. A rare frontal view of a juvenile below reveals four teeth-like bars under its black snout.
Population:	Common.
Notable feature:	Out-of-proportion front dorsal fin, particularly at Juvenile phase where it almost looks like a whip.
Environment:	In constant movement around rocks and small open caves.
Behaviour:	Must be approached quietly, but is very difficult to photograph due to its constant, brisk manoeuvres.