Parapriacanthus argenteus (von Bonde, 1923)
Yellowhead sweeper
Parapriacanthus argenteus
photo by King, D.R.

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  6.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 59 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique, South Africa and Oman.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 20-23. This species is distinguished by having a midventral, black, pin-like mark, about half length of pelvic fins, within a white band that encircles head of pin just anterior to anus (not present in juveniles); pectoral-fin length 3.3-3.45 in SL; preanal length 1.45-1.55 in SL; dorsal profiles of head and nape are nearly straight; iris in alcohol silvery white; differs from P. guentheri in having smaller eye size (40-50 mm in SL vs. 7.6-7.7 mm in SL in P. guentheri (Ref. 107896).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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