Piracanthus hamrur is a common inhabitant of Maldivian reefs, and is closely related to the endemic Piracanthus meeki Jenkins of Hawaii and the Atlantic Piracanthus arenatus Cuvier.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 35 cm
color
Usually uniform red to deep red with a series of about 15 small dark spots along lateral line. Median and pelvic fins dusky red. A black spot at base of first 3 pelvic rays. Capable of quickly altering to pinkish silver with six red bars on body and one extending ventrally from eyes.
This species is known to inhabit depths ranging from 15 to 250 m and can be easily encountered underwater. It is often seen in small groups and is nocturnal, feeding mainly on larger zooplankton.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13-15 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 13-16 rays, 17-20 pectoral rays, a body depth of 2.5-2.9 in standard length, a well-compressed body, a nearly vertical mouth and a long snout, finely serrated posterior and lower margins of the preopercle, and an emarginate caudal fin.