Novaculichthys taeniourus is a popular aquarium fish, well-known for its ability to overturn large rocks to prey upon the animals beneath, and juveniles of the species often mimic drifting clumps of algae.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 25 cm
color
Adults brown with grey head and a white bar across caudal fin base. Centres of scales yellowish. A large red area on abdomen. Juveniles mottled green or brown and white.
This species is typically found in shallow, weedy or rubbly areas at depths ranging from a few meters to 25 meters. It feeds on a variety of benthic invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with nine spines and twelve to thirteen rays, an anal fin with three spines and twelve to thirteen rays, a pectoral fin with thirteen rays, and a body depth of two point eight to three point one in standard length. Additionally, the first two dorsal spines are very flexible, particularly in juveniles. The caudal fin is rounded.