Acanthocepola abbreviata (Valenciennes, 1835)
Bandfish
Acanthocepola abbreviata
photo by Gloerfelt-Tarp, T.

Family:  Cepolidae (Bandfishes), subfamily: Cepolinae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 10 - 80 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Indonesia (Java to Flores and West Papua), Philippines, Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby to Milne Bay), and Australia (Queensland; Northern Territory and Western Australia).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 69-80; Anal spines: 0-2; Anal soft rays: 70-84; Vertebrae: 45-49. This species is characterized by the following: HL 6.3-8.4 in SL; preopercle with 5 blunt spines, the longest at angle. Colouration: head and body orange-pink with double series of yellow spots (smaller than pupil) on the sides; dorsal fin yellow-orange, anal fin yellow and median fins with narrow black margins; paired fins yellow with pink rays (Ref. 127963).
Biology:  Occurs in muddy habitats, usually in large colonies, each individual with its own burrow. Rises high above the substrate in schools to feed when plankton drifts over, typically in vertical posture (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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