Pempheris oualensis Cuvier, 1831
Blackspot sweeper
Pempheris oualensis
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 36 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Line, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 36-45. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body depth 1.8-2.4 in SL; dorsal soft rays usually 9; pectoral rays 16-18, usually 17; gill rakers 9-7 + 19-26; caudal fin forked. Colour overall of body copper-brown, black spot at pectoral-fin base; anterior edge of first dorsal fin blackish; basal part of anal fin dusky greyish; no black margin on anal and caudal fins (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in clear, shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, quite common along the reef margin. Feeds on benthic and planktonic crustaceans, other small invertebrates, and fishes at night. By day, it forms aggregations in caves. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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