Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 4 - 15 m (Ref. 1602). Tropical; 17°N - 24°S, 139°E - 133°W
Pacific Ocean: patchy distribution, from Johnston Atoll to the Society Islands, also reported from the Mariana and Admiralty Islands. Recently reported from Ouvéa Atoll, Loyalty Islands (Ref. 13236).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 6.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 4858)
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15. This species is distinguished by the following: lacrymal bone has 2 stout spines; 18 gill rakers; 2 dark blotches, one at the pectoral fin base and the other at the posterior basis of the dorsal fin; absence of dark patch above the pectoral fin (Ref. 53274). Body depth 1.9-2.0 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 44 (Ref. 90102).
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Inhabits dead coral and rubble reefs in clear lagoons and exposed seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Extremely cryptic; never seen by divers except poison stations. Feeds on algae. Never exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Allen, G.R., 1985. Butterfly and angelfishes of the world. Vol. 2. 3rd edit. in English. Mergus Publishers, Melle, Germany. (Ref. 4858)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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