Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 20 - 110 m (Ref. 90102). Tropical
Western Indian Ocean: South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion. Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands (Ref. 559), Taiwan, and from the Society, Cook, Marquesan, Tuamoto, Pitcairn and Hawaiian islands.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 13.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 3921)
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Anterior part of dorsal fin resembles a small fish, the fin also has a spot between spines 1-2 or 1-3 (Ref. 4313). Lachrymal bone with 2 spines over maxillary, first points forward, second broad, pointing out and to rear; suborbital ridge without spines except one at rear before opercle; preopercular spines short, usually only 3 developed; no supplemental preopercular spine at base of first spine; a dark spot on the spinous dorsal fin between spines 1 or 2 and 3; and vertical scale rows of about 65-75 (Ref. 10482).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.
Found on sand and rubble under ledges of seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). The dorsal fin mimics a tiny fish and is used as a lure (Ref. 9710). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Randall, J.E., 1985. Guide to Hawaiian reef fishes. Harrowood Books, Newtown Square, PA 19073, USA. 74 p. (Ref. 3921)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
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