Neoniphon opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Body iridescent silvery with dark red or black mark on each scale (Ref. 4201). Spinous portion of dorsal fin black; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins reddish yellow; pectoral fins pink, pelvic fins white (Ref. 4201). Lower jaw strongly projecting
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Holocentriformes
Family: Holocentridae
Genus: Neoniphon
Species: Neoniphon opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831)
Climate Zone
Biology
Inhabits subtidal reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to depths of at least 20 m. Found singly or in small groups in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on benthic crabs and shrimps. Large spine at the corner of preopercle is venomous. It raises or flashes its distinctly marked dorsal fin to startle possible predator (Ref. 48635).
Habitat
associated
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threat to Humans
Venomous
Neoniphon opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831)