Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Caudal fin with a pronounced subterminal notch but without a ventral lobe (Ref. 13575). Lateral ocellus not surrounded by large spots; spots present on head in front and below eyes (Ref. 13575).
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Life Cycle
provided by Fishbase
Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk (Ref. 50449). Prior to copulation, the male gets a good grasp of the female by by biting the body and even the gills (Ref. 49562, 51043).
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Trophic Strategy
provided by Fishbase
Also in Ref. 9137. A carnivor (Ref. 9137).
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Commonly found in shallow water of coral reefs (Ref. 6871). Often in tide pools (Ref. 13575). Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 6871). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Squirms when captured but cannot readily escape (Ref. 247). Survives well in aquariums (Ref. 6871). Has the ability to survive low oxygen conditions by switching of non-essential brain functions; apparently an adaption for hunting in tide-pools with low oxygen (Ref. 52022).
- Recorder
- Kent E. Carpenter
Importance
provided by Fishbase
fisheries: of no interest
- Recorder
- Kent E. Carpenter