| Family: |
Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes) |
| Max. size: |
19 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 6 years |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 55 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to Scott Reef (eastern Indian Ocean) and Lord Howe Island. Uncommon around oceanic islands (Ref. 9710). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Overall black with an elongate vertical black blotch on the middle of the upper sides. When small, mainly black with a white bar; the white bar changes to a central blotch and varies greatly in shape and size (Ref. 48636). Dorsal and anal fins with submarginal blue line; most of the pelvic and the anterior portion of the anal fin yellow. Caudal fin with submarginal blue line (Ref. 1602). Body depth 1.8-2.0 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 45-48 (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Relatively uncommon in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs. The largest member of the genus (Ref. 1602). Feeds mainly on algae. Forms harems of 3-7 individuals. Frequently exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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