Family: |
Malacanthidae (Tilefishes) |
Max. size: |
32 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 61.2 g |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Panama and Columbia, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to the Lord Howe and Austral islands. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 1-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 52-56; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 46-55. Description: Characterized by grey color on dorsal half of body, white below; about 20 short diffuse dark bars along side, usually yellowish on forehead; pair of converging black stripes on center of caudal fin; smooth margin of preopercle; greatest depth of body 6.3-8.3 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
Biology: |
Inhabits barren, open areas of outer reef slopes. Occurs in pairs over rocks or sandy areas adjacent to reefs (Ref. 5213). Usually lives in a burrow of their own construction, often under a surface rock on sand (Ref. 48635). Has pelagic stage to at least 5 cm, hence smaller juveniles are not seen on the substrate (Ref. 48635). Benthic and Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9119). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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