Common among coral and in reef caves and crevices; usually found in pairs. Nearly always seen swimming upside down against ceiling of caves (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).

Chagos, Comores, Djibouti, Mauritius, South Africa (country)

Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Sodwana Bay, South Africa to the Chagos Islands and Maldives.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20 - 23; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 4

Maximum size: 180 mm SL

19.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 48635))

Common among coral and in reef caves and crevices; usually found in pairs. Occurs at depths of at least 45 m.

Usually with 4-5 dark bands crossing opercle (Ref. 4281). Combined color patterns of caudal fin and body are diagnostic (Ref. 48635).

Depth range based on 4 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 7 - 30
  Temperature range (°C): 27.048 - 28.720
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.076 - 0.862
  Salinity (PPS): 35.029 - 37.566
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.314 - 4.698
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.178 - 0.277
  Silicate (umol/l): 3.015 - 3.715

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 7 - 30

Temperature range (°C): 27.048 - 28.720

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.076 - 0.862

Salinity (PPS): 35.029 - 37.566

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.314 - 4.698

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.178 - 0.277

Silicate (umol/l): 3.015 - 3.715
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth: 3 - 45m.
From 3 to 45 meters.

Habitat: reef-associated.

reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 45 m (Ref. 9407)

Common among coral and in reef caves and crevices (Ref 5316). Feeds on small crustaceans and fish larvae (Ref. 9137).

Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).

Not Evaluated