Reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 50 m (Ref. 1602)
Climate / Range
Tropical; 32°N - 24°S
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Durban, South Africa (Ref. 4420) and east to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef in Australia and New Caledonia. Uncommon in the Pacific (Ref. 9710). Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 3;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 24 - 27;
Analspines: 0;
Analsoft rays: 19 - 24. Dark brown, scales with yellow spot; pectoral, soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark with yellow margins; juveniles yellowish brown with bluish grey spots and blotches (Ref. 4420). Juveniles under about 5 cm, tan with dark saddles and numerous dark wavy lines on the body. Larger juveniles loose the dark saddles and become covered in a network of brilliant blue lines which become increasingly interconnected with growth (Ref. 37816).
Occur in clear shallow lagoons and seaward reefs; sandy areas near reef patches of reef edge are preferred. Adults on deep reefs or with shipwrecks, usually deeper than 30 meters. Juveniles inshore on rubble reef or small outcrops on open substrate (Ref. 48637). Feed on sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, dead fish, tunicates or corals (Ref. 5503). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Also caught with drive-in nets. Marketed fresh and dried-salted (Ref. 9770).
