Parascolopsis aspinosa (Rao & Rao, 1981)
Smooth dwarf monocle bream
photo by Hermosa, Jr., G.V.

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  21 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 300 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: including the Persian Gulf; Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
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 between level of anterior margin of eyes and posterior nostrils. Lower limb of preopercle naked. Posterior margin of suborbital smooth or with just a few tiny spines. Pectoral and pelvic fins long, reaching to or beyond level of anus. Axillary scale present. Color: Body rosy-orange; anal fin rosy; pectoral fin yellowish with 2 rudimentary rays.
Biology:  Benthic on sand or mud bottoms in offshore waters (Ref. 30573). Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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