| Family: |
Grammistidae (Soapfishes) |
| Max. size: |
35 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 216 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Comoros to the Line, Marquesan and Society islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Recently found in southern Natal, South Africa (Ref. 11228). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Post larvae with large white spots, the spots remaining part of the adult pattern, but become obscured with additional small white spots in the grey areas. The fins remain clear (Ref. 48635).
Description: Characterized by having body depth 2.2-2.7 in SL; 3-5 short spines at posterior margin of preopercle; tip of chin with fleshy barbel; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Sporadic distribution and habitat specific, preferring large coral heads on slopes prone to moderate currents (Ref. 9137, 48635). Adults usually in 20+ m depth; juveniles in shallow lagoons or protected bays (Ref. 48635). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
