9. Halieutaea stellata (Vahl, 1797)

Starry handfish (Figure 10)

Material examined: 1 ex.; 22.07.11; Mohana, Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/F3723 .

Description: Body very much depressed and flattened very much. Heads bordered and more strongly depressed. Gill opening around pectoral fin base. Body with well developed tuber like scales.

Distribution: Widespread in the western Pacific off Japan, Taiwan, South China Sea, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Australia and north New Zealand.

Remarks: The fish is commercial for ornamental.