Neoniphon opercularis is the largest and most common species of its genus in the Maldives, and can be easily distinguished from other Neoniphon by the extensive black on its dorsal fin.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 23 cm; max. 32 cm
color
Silvery gold with a pinkish tinge given by red spot on each scale. Broad middle zone of spinuous portion of dorsal fin black; base and tips white.
This species of reef dweller is active at night and takes refuge among the branches of large, sturdy branching corals during the daylight hours, inhabiting waters from shallow to a depth of 20 meters.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 12-14 rays, an anal fin with 4 spines and 8-9 (usually 9) rays, and a pectoral fin with 13-15 rays. Its body is moderately elongate, with a depth of 2.9 to 3.3 inches in standard length, and the lower jaw is strongly projecting. Additionally, the last dorsal spine is longer than the penultimate spine and further away from it than from the first ray, and the corner of the preopercle has a sharp spine.