Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 40 m or more. Occurs singly or in small to large aggregations, taking shelter in dark crevices, branched coral, under ledges, and among the spines of Diadema setosum. Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Feeds on small crustaceans and gastropods, also on small fishes. Generally common (Ref. 9710). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35404).

Cargados Carajos, Chagos, Comores, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Red Sea, Reunion, Seychelles, Tanzania

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Mozambique (Ref. 4329) and eastward to the Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Maximum size: 130 mm TL

13.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 2158))

Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 40 m or more. Occurs solitarily or in small to large aggregations, taking shelter in branched coral, under ledges, among the spines of @Diadema setosum@@, and in dark crevices. Feeds on small crustaceans and gastropods, also on small fishes.

Depth range based on 280 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 179 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 82.3
  Temperature range (°C): 22.368 - 29.336
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.048 - 1.204
  Salinity (PPS): 32.019 - 36.142
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.149 - 5.079
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.055 - 0.441
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.819 - 15.721

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 82.3

Temperature range (°C): 22.368 - 29.336

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.048 - 1.204

Salinity (PPS): 32.019 - 36.142

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.149 - 5.079

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.055 - 0.441

Silicate (umol/l): 0.819 - 15.721
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth: 0 - 40m.
Recorded at 40 meters.

Habitat: reef-associated. Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 40 m or more. Occurs singly or in small to large aggregations, taking shelter in dark crevices, branched coral, under ledges, and among the spines of @Diadema setosum@. Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Feeds on small crustaceans and gastropods, also on small fishes. Generally common (Ref. 9710).

reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m (Ref. 9710)

Nocturnal species which occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Found among corals or in caves (Ref. 9137, 58534). Present in seagrass beds at all life stages. Invertebrate and fish feeders (Ref. 41878).

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Genomic DNA is available from 2 specimens with morphological vouchers housed at Museum of Tropical Queensland

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 6
Species: 14
Species With Barcodes: 1

Not Evaluated

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums