Elegant firefish
📖 Overview
Adults often occurs on deep outer coastal to outer reef drops-offs subject to moderate to strong currents. They are found over hard, open bottoms at the bases of reefs and over sand and rubble patches. Often in pairs. Monogamous . They feed on zooplankton, especially copepods and crustacean larvae. Darts into a hole when alarmed . Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 32; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 28 - 31. : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Elegant firefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 25 - 100 m , usually 25 - 70 m . Tropical; 23°C - 27°C ; 30°N - 23°S, 30°E - 172°W north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton, especially copepods and crustacean larvae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Elegant firefish 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 | 17.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 104 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Elegant firefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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