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🌊 Marine 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Dusky sweeper

Pempheris adusta Bleeker, 1877
Max Length
17 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
0–20 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

This fish is common on coral reefs ; forming aggregations in caves or crevices or under overhangs by day, but a few may at times be seen in the open, close to the shelter of reefs. This species is also observed forming small groups with Myripristis murdjan at 0.5-1 m below the surface. At night, it is known to feed on zooplankton . Spawning occur during April to June, and is year-round in Okinawa I. (Koeda et al., in press - in Ref. 95675). Spawning occurred after sunset with individuals larger than 11 cm SL joining the spawning group . Flesh is edible .

Scientific Name
Pempheris adusta
Authority
Bleeker, 1877
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Max Length
17 cm
Depth Range
0–20 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 36 - 45; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: pectoral fin base with a faint blackish spot; pored lateral-line scales 56-64 (Andaman Sea 52-58; Pacific 51-62); scale rows above lateral line 4.5-6.5 (usually 5.5; Andaman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, 4.5-5.5, usually 4.5); circumpeduncular scales 14-18 (usually 16); outer edge of anal fin with a distinct blackish band (rarely faint or only anterior half prominent; usually none in Pacific); posterior edge of caudal fin with a blackish band (caudal fin whole yellowish in Andaman Sea); upper-jaw length 14.2-15.6% SL; body depth 41.4-45.4% SL. Individuals in the Pacific are distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: ctenoid and deciduous scales are thin and semicircular in shape; 51-62 pored lateral-line scales; 4.5-5.5 (usually 4.5) scale rows above lateral line; pectoral fin base with a faint blackish spot; anal fin usually have no blackish outer margin; anal fin base with a dusky band .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Dusky sweeper is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Dusky sweeper is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Dusky sweeper is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m . Subtropical distributed and abundant in the Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea to Andaman Sea) to the Pacific; not in the Mediterranean Sea.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.5±0.5
Food Items

zooplankton (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01288 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
17cm
Dorsal Spines
6
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
41
Vertebrae
25

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
24.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Bleeker, 1877

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 19.2 g
Omega-3 (total) 166 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Dusky sweeper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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