Pentapodus emeryii (Richardson, 1843)
Double whiptail
Pentapodus emeryii
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 35 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, and northwestern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Head scales reaching forward to level of posterior nostrils. Suborbital naked. Lower limb of preopercle with 2 or 3 scale rows. Pelvic fins moderately long, reaching almost to level of anus. Axillary scale present. Color: Upper body blue, lower white.
Biology:  Found on clear coastal reef slopes (Ref. 48635). A solitary species (Ref. 9710) but may be found also in groups (Ref. 90102). Excellent eye-sight (Ref. 48635). Feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, ophiuroids and sipunculid worms.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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