Polysteganus lineopunctatus (Boulenger, 1903)

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  32 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Southwestern Indian Ocean: Mozambique and South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. This species is distinguished from its by the following set of characters: scale rows above lateral line 7½ and between 5th dorsal-fin spine base and lateral-line 5½; pored lateral-line scales 53-55; suborbital depth obviously less than or subequal to orbit diameter; dorsal-fin rays reddish pink or orangish red but with deep yellow upper margin of dorsal-fin rays; distinct irregular lines of blue spots on body 7 or 8 (often present even in preserved specimens); pale reddish yellow membranes on caudal-fin lobes and caudal fin with hyaline white margin on lower fin lobe; without blue iridescence on dorsal and lateral side of whitish pink body; canines are somewhat smaller, only upper canines visible when mouth closed; slender body, 40-43% (mean 42%) of SL; without bony bulge before and above eye even in larger specimens of over 25 cm TL; caudal fin is moderately forked (Ref. 106993).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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