---
title: Steinitz’ Velvetfish (Cocotropus steinitzi)
scientific_name: Cocotropus steinitzi
common_name: Steinitz’ Velvetfish
taxon: Velvetfishes
published: 2024-11-06T15:09:18.210Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:07:05.989Z
tags: Steinitz’ Velvetfish, Cocotropus steinitzi, Velvetfishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/velvetfishes/steinitz-velvetfish
---

# Steinitz’ Velvetfish (*Cocotropus steinitzi*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Velvetfishes (*Aploactinidae*)
- **Size:** 5 cm

Steinitz’ Velvetfish (Cocotropus steinitzi) is a marine, demersal species found in tropical regions, reaching a maximum length of 5 cm. The genus name, Cocotropus, is derived from the Greek words "kokkos", meaning berry or seed, and "tropsis" or "tropo", meaning turning.

The species is characterized by 12 dorsal spines and 9 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 7 anal soft rays. It possesses 25 vertebrae. 

Geographically, Steinitz’ Velvetfish is distributed across the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Andaman Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

## Also known as

- **Czech:** sametovec Steinitzův

## Scientific synonyms

- *Cocotropus steinizi* Eschmeyer & Dor, 1978

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/velvetfishes/steinitz-velvetfish)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*