The closely related species S. albicaudatus (Rüppell) has replaced Sufflamen chrysopterus in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman, and differs in having a broad white zone across the basal part of its caudal fin.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 20 cm
color
Dark brownish with one pale streak from eye to lower pectoral base and another short one above gill opening. Lower part of head and abdomen dark blue or purplish. Caudal fin brownish yellow, broadly edged in white.
Typically found in sheltered reefs and lagoons, this species feeds on benthic invertebrates.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with three spines and 26-28 rays, an anal fin with 23-26 rays, a pectoral fin with 12-14 rays, a deep groove before the eye, and longitudinal rows of small spines following the scale centers on the posterior third of its body. Additionally, the dorsal and anal fins are slightly elevated anteriorly, and the caudal fin is truncate to slightly rounded with acute corners.