Belonoperca chabanaudi Fowler & Bean, 1930
Arrowhead soapfish
photo by Libert, F.

Family:  Liopropomatidae (Painted basslets), subfamily: Diploprioninae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body brown in color (may also be dusky bluish grey to almost black (Ref. 48635)), caudal peduncle with saddle-like yellow spot; large ocellated black spot on spinous dorsal (Ref. 4326). Description: Characterized by having ctenoid scales; elongated body, greatest depth 3.5-3.7 in SL; coarsely serrated margin of preopercle; truncate caudal fin; short pelvic fins (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in steep slopes of coral rich areas. Usually hovers in mid water in caves (Ref. 9710). Nocturnal species (Ref. 4326). Secretive and solitary (Ref. 37816). Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89972). Easily missed and normally the yellow spot is noticed first (Ref. 48635). Produces the skin toxin grammistin.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Also Ref. 53416, 90102, 121724.


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