About Ostracion cyanurus Rüppell, 1828
Ostracion cyanurus Rüppell, 1828 has a maximum published total length of 15 cm (5.9 inches). Both its dorsal fin and anal fin each have 9 soft rays, while its caudal fin has 10 soft rays, 8 of which are branched. Females have a slightly concave dorsal profile of the head, whereas males have a convex dorsal head profile. This species has fleshy, protruding lips and chin. Adult males typically have dark blue spotted flanks and lower body, with an unspotted greenish-yellow upper body. Females are yellow with blue spots and have red cheeks. Ostracion cyanurus is distributed in the Western Indian Ocean, occurring in the Red Sea, around the Arabian Peninsula, and extending into the Persian Gulf as far east as eastern Iran. It inhabits areas with moderate coral growth, at depths ranging from 5 to 50 m (16 to 164 ft). Ostracion cyanurus is sold in the aquarium trade.
