About Tetrosomus gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)
This species, Tetrosomus gibbosus, typically reaches a full-grown length of around 20 centimeters (7.9 inches), and can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. All fish in the genus Tetrosomus are defined by having a carapace — a hard upper shell constructed from thick scale plates. The entire body of these fish is enclosed in this bony shell, with only a few small openings left for structures like the mouth, eyes, and gills. The mouth of T. gibbosus is small, has fleshy lips, and holds conical teeth that usually number fewer than 15 in total. T. gibbosus inhabits shallow tropical waters or warm seas that have muddy bottoms, and can occasionally be spotted near shallow seagrass beds. It is also found living in coral reefs. It is classified as an endangered species within the South China Sea.
