Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8. A series of three large blackish blotches on upper side of body beneath dorsal fins; color variable but usually pale, the scales of the back with reddish or yellowish brown edges and a central pale blue spot; diagonal light blue lines on head. Capable of displaying a pattern of large red blotches on head and body in less than a minute (Ref. 13442).
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Mulliformes
Family: Mullidae
Genus: Pseudupeneus
Species: Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793)
Climate Zone
Biology
Inhabits shallow waters to depths of 90 m (Ref. 9626), especially over sand and rock bottoms in reef areas. Young juveniles often found on beds of seagrass, e.g. Thalassia. Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 9626). Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 3792). Traded as an aquarium fish at Ceará, Brazil (Ref. 49392).
Habitat
associated
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threat to Humans
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch, 1793)