Parapriacanthus ransonneti Steindachner, 1870
Golden sweeper
photo by Petrinos, C.

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  12.14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 19-23. This species is distinguished by the following characters: preanal pin-like mark,; A 19-23; pectoral rays modally 16: gill rakers modally 26; body depth 2.9-3.3 in SL, head length 2.9-3.1 in SL, eye diameter 6.6-7.4 in SL, predorsal length 2.3-2.4 in SL, pectoral-fin length of 3.3-3.45 in SL; fresh specimen with gold and green colour of the iris and with horizontal blackish streak beginning dorsally on the opercle and disappearing below the posterior end of the dorsal fin (Ref. 107896).
Biology:  Found in coastal and offshore reefs (Ref., 90102). This species forms large groups in caves under ledges or beneath overhangs in reef (under Acropora plate corals) . Individuals forage at night, on zooplankton (mainly crustacean larvae and polychaetes (Ref. 43239, 90102, 107896).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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