Mozambique sweeper
📖 Overview
Mozambique sweeper (Pempheris cuprea) is a ray-finned fish of the family Pempheridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 13.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 1 and 10 metres. 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): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 39 - 41; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI,9; A III,39-41; pectoral rays 17; lateral-line scales 54-57 (with pored scales of both sides counted); ctenoid scales on side of chest; gill rakers 26-28 (on both sides counted); deep body, depth 2.1-2.15 in SL; head length 3.4-3.5 in SL; orbit diameter 7.4-7.55 in SL; jaws are moderately oblique, forming an angle of about 65° to horizontal axis of body; pectoral-fin length 3.15 in SL; colour in alcohol is bronze brown, many scales over pectoral region, abdomen, and above anterior part of anal fin with vertically elongate shiny copper-colored spot .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mozambique sweeper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m. Tropical Indian Ocean: northern Mozambique.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Mozambique sweeper ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.