Broadbarred firefish
📖 Overview
Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Hides in crevices under rocks and coral formations during the day and hunts at night. Typically with head towards the safety of their hide-out or narrow passage . Feeds on shrimps and crabs. Venomous and capable of inflicting a painful sting. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. Solitary or in groups, under ledges and holes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6. Reddish to tan with many dark bars on body; median fins with scattered dark spots; tentacle above eye long and with dark bands . Adults with bluish black blotches near the base of the pectoral fins : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Broadbarred firefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 86 m . Tropical; 42°N - 40°S, 30°E - 137°W East Africa to Marquesan and Mangaréva islands, north to southern Japan, south to Queensland, Australia and Kermadec (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
shrimps and crabs
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
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