Pentapodus caninus (Cuvier, 1830)
Small-toothed whiptail
Pentapodus caninus
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: southern South China Sea and the eastern Malay Peninsula to the Gilbert Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Timor and New Caledonia (Ref. 37816). The name Pentapodus caninus has been misapplied to Pentapodus trivittatus.
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 or just in front of level of anterior nostrils. Scaled area between nostrils with a distinct naked medial wedge-shaped notch. Suborbital scaly posteriorly. Lower limb of preopercle with 2 or 3 scale rows. Pelvic fins moderately long, reaching to or almost to level of anus. Upper lobe of caudal fin slightly longer than lower. Axillary scale present. Color: Upper body pale blue, lower whitish.
Biology:  Usually found close to the bottom over coral reef areas. Feeds on small fishes and larger zooplankton, as well as on benthic organisms (Ref. 9785). Occurs solitary or in small groups.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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