Sunshinefish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit outer and seaward reefs. Feeds on plankton . Taken incidentally in traps and small-meshed beach nets . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Adults dark olive brown dorsally, abruptly white ventral to lower edge of eye and pectoral base; dorsal and caudal fins yellowish posteriorly; a black spot at upper base of pectoral fins; juveniles bright yellow to yellow-green on upper third, abruptly violet on side, shading to whitish ventrally; a bright blue line from front of snout to upper edge of eye .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sunshinefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Sunshinefish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 20 - 100 m . Tropical; 37°N - 7°N, 99°W - 59°W
🌿 Ecology
plankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sunshinefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 167 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sunshinefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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