Pentapodus numberii Allen & Erdmann, 2009 Papuan whiptail |
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 |