Pempheris ufuagari Koeda, Yoshino & Tachihara, 2013
Crown sweeper
Pempheris ufuagari
photo by Koeda, K.

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  19.68 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 2 - 5 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 39-43; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: scale rows above lateral line 6 1/2-7 1/2 (usually 7 1/2); pored lateral-line scales 62-71; scales are weakly ctenoid, thin, semicircular in shape, far wider than long, and deciduous; convex snout outline in anterior part of orbit; tip of dorsal fin broadly black, the rest is bright yellow; base of anal fin blackish; distinct blackish band on outer margin; posterior margin of caudal fin blackish, the rest bright yellow; distinct blackish spot on pectoral-fin base; absence of villiform tooth band extending outside lips on the upper and lower jaws (Ref. 92923).
Biology:  Apparently occurs in underwater caves or crevasses in coral reef areas during the day, but found in open water at night (Ref.92923).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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