Reef-associated; non-migratory; marine; depth range 2 - 45 m (Ref. 9710), usually 2 - 5 m (Ref. 9710)
Climate / Range
Tropical
Western Atlantic: southern Florida (USA), Bahamas, and Caribbean Sea. Including Antilles and Yucatan to Venezuela (Ref. 26938). Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 12;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 15 - 16;
Analspines: 2;
Analsoft rays: 13. Anal fin long and pointed, reaching well beyond base of tail (Ref. 26938). Adults dark gray-brown, the edges of the scales blackish; a wash of yellowish often present dorsally on head, nape, and on back below spinous portion of dorsal fin; a small black spot at upper base of pectoral fins; juveniles bright yellow with two bright blue lines dorsally on head, extending to beneath middle of dorsal fin where they break into spots; a large blue-edged black spot basally on dorsal fin centered on last spine (Ref. 13442).
Inhabits coral and rocky reefs of sheltered lagoons and inshore areas. Territorial and pugnacious (Ref. 9710). Taken incidentally in traps and small-meshed beach nets (Ref. 5217).
