Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 4 m (Ref. 9710). Tropical; 35°N - 24°S, 92°E - 157°W
Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line Islands, north to the Izu Islands, south to Great Barrier Reef.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 10.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 48635)
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Characterized by alternating dark brown and whitish stripes, dark stripes narrower than pale ones; dark midlateral stripe extending onto caudal fin; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Common in reef flats and shallow lagoons to a depth of about 4 m. Also found in rocky reefs (Ref. 93839). Feeds on small crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 1602). Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Usually in pairs swimming close to shelter (Ref. 48635).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).
Myers, R.F., 1991. Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p. (Ref. 1602)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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