Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs. Abundant, in large aggregations over reef tops and upper edges of slopes (Ref. 9710). Usually seen solitary in reefs, staying close to the substrate in depths of about 10 m (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Aldabra, Chagos, Comores, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Red Sea, Reunion, Seychelles, South Africa (country), Tanzania

Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa (Ref. 4391), Mauritius, Réunion, Chagos Archipelago, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Andaman Sea, Thailand (Ref. 9710), and Christmas Island. Western Central Pacific: Guam (Ref. 35721).

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 12

Maximum size: 90 mm NG

9.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710))

Inhabits inshore and offshore coral reefs.

Anterior 2/3 of the body dark brown to black; posterior 1/3 pearly white.

Depth range based on 68 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 27 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 1 - 80
  Temperature range (°C): 25.070 - 28.885
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.061 - 1.248
  Salinity (PPS): 32.200 - 40.307
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.427 - 4.713
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.122 - 0.339
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.699 - 5.551

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 1 - 80

Temperature range (°C): 25.070 - 28.885

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.061 - 1.248

Salinity (PPS): 32.200 - 40.307

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.427 - 4.713

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.122 - 0.339

Silicate (umol/l): 1.699 - 5.551
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth: 1 - 36m.
From 1 to 36 meters.

Habitat: reef-associated. Chocolate dip.  (Klunzinger, 1871) Attains 9 cm. Very common. Inhabits lagoons and seaward coral reefs down to at least 30 metres. Often seen in large schools over reef ledges. Feeds mainly on plankton.

reef-associated; non-migratory; marine; depth range 1 - 36 m (Ref. 9710)

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 10
Species: 15
Species With Barcodes: 1

Not Evaluated

aquarium: commercial