Pentapodus numberii Allen & Erdmann, 2009
Papuan whiptail
Pentapodus numberii
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  16.05 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 12 - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. This species is distinguished by the following characters: caudal fin forked with upper and lower rays as long trailing filaments; a single dusky (blue in life) stripe on side of snout; a pale-yellow stripe in life on middle of side that can be instantly 'switched' on or off; predorsal scales up to level between posterior margin of posterior nostrils; suborbital is scaled; lower limb of preopercle with 3 rows of scales; 45-46 lateral-line scales; 15-16 pectoral-fin rays; pelvic fins moderately long, in adult males, reaching level of anus (Ref. 80700).
Biology:  Usually observed on moderately sheltered outer reef slopes, over sand-rubble substrates, with occasional coral ridges and sea whips (Ref. 80700). Frequently in turbid waters, solitary or in groups (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 14 July 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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