Salmacis sphaeroides (Linnaeus, 1758)
Green-spined salmacis
photo by Batoy, Corazon B.

Family:  Temnopleuridae ()
Max. size: 
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: China to Solomon Islands and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Shape varies from oval to conical. Spines are short and thin, with those nearer the oral surface being broad and flat. Color varies from white to olive green. Spines are green with reddish-brown, purple, white, or green brands.
Biology:  Maximum spine length: 1.5 cm. Inhabits shallow seagrass beds but can also be found at depths 90 m. Covers itself with debris or shells for camouflage purposes (Ref. 800). Omnivore. Feed on algae and small soft-bodied organisms (Ref. 125532).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

Source and more info: www.sealifebase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.