| Family: |
Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Plectorhinchinae |
| Max. size: |
100 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Southwest Pacific: Australia (Western Australia toi Queensland). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-7. This species is distinguished by the following features: D XII, 18-20 (rarely 20); A III, 6-7 (rarely III, 6); pectoral-fin rays 16-17 (usually 17); lateral-line scales 56-61 (modally 59); transverse scale rows above lateral line 15; gill rakers 7-9 + 18-20 = 25-29 (modally 26); in juveniles, pelvic fins reaching anus, slightly short of anus in adults; nostrils minute, 0.4-0.8 % SL, 2-3 times in distance from posterior nostril to eye; when fresh colouration in adults with body uniformly silver-grey, cheek and opercles blue-grey, rim of orbit and dorsal edge of maxilla dusky yellow, posterior margin of opercular membrane silver-grey, non-contrasting with remainder of opercle and adjacent body (Ref. 103290). |
| Biology: |
This species is found on sand, rubble and reef bottom but mostly in the intertidal zone, or shallow reef; one specimen trawled in a depth of 30 m. The most southerly record is a large individual estimated to be 100 cm in total length. Large individuals are most often solitary, foraging diurnally over relatively open expanses of soft substrate. Agonistic behavioural interactions have been recorded between individuals, individuals have often been observed to interact highly aggressively, engaging in one-on-one conflicts (Ref. 103290). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 July 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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