Pempheris cuprea Randall & Victor, 2014
Mozambique sweeper
Pempheris cuprea
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  13.6 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: northern Mozambique.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 39-41; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI,9; A III,39-41; pectoral rays 17; lateral-line scales 54-57 (with pored scales of both sides counted); ctenoid scales on side of chest; gill rakers 26-28 (on both sides counted); deep body, depth 2.1-2.15 in SL; head length 3.4-3.5 in SL; orbit diameter 7.4-7.55 in SL; jaws are moderately oblique, forming an angle of about 65° to horizontal axis of body; pectoral-fin length 3.15 in SL; colour in alcohol is bronze brown, many scales over pectoral region, abdomen, and above anterior part of anal fin with vertically elongate shiny copper-colored spot (Ref. 97766).
Biology:  Depth range (1-10 m) given by B. Victor (pers. comm. 10/18).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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