Swallowtail tuskfish

📖 Overview

Swallowtail tuskfish (Choerodon cypselurus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 23.4 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10; Vertebrae: 27. Diagnosis. D XII,8; A III,10; pectoral fin rays ii,14 (rarely 15), dorsalmost ray moderate length 30.7-30.9% pectoral fin length, ventralmost rays shorter than those above, posterior edge of fin obliquely straight, dorsoposterior corner bluntly pointed, posteroventral corner angular; deep body 39.8-40.7% SL, head depth 29.2-31.2% SL, caudal peduncle depth 12.2-13.0% SL; blunt head, dorsal profile of snout moderately steep, snout length 12.2-15.8% SL; predorsal scales approximately 5 and reaching forward on dorsal midline to or just in advance of posterior edge of preopercle; cheek is partially covered by small, mostly embedded scales in about 8 vertical rows, the posteriormost with about 10 scales to upper extent of free preopercular edge, reaching forward almost to corner of upper lip crease, with broad naked margin posteriorly and ventrally on preopercle; subopercle has a row of about 10 large embedded scales adjacent ventral edge of preopercle extending forward to just short of below anterior extent of free ventral preopercular edge; each lateral line scale has an unbranched laterosensory canal tube; scales above the lateral line about 2½; cephalic sensory canal pores are moderately numerous confined to lines or short branches associated with major canals; a second pair of canines in lower jaw is directed dorsolaterally and slightly posteriorly; dorsal and anal fins with very low basal sheath comprising 1-3 progressively smaller accessory scales at the deepest; posterior lobe of dorsal and anal fins almost reaching the hypural crease; caudal fin double emarginate, the upper and lower lobes distinctly but not greatly produced, posterior margin of fin concave, smoothly curved; pelvic fin reaching anus, length 21.4-22.4% SL; colour uniformly pale in preservative .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: flattened.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Swallowtail tuskfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Swallowtail tuskfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Swallowtail tuskfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Tropical Central Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Saya de Malha Bank.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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