Black foxface
📖 Overview
Prefers areas of staghorn or fire corals, or around rubble mounds composed of plate and staghorn corals. Subadults and adults in pairs, juveniles probably form schools. Feeds on seaweeds. Marketed fresh .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 7; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 23. Fish looks black apart from the bright yellow pectoral fins; `vertical' margin of soft portion of dorsal fin and trailing edge of caudal fin orange. Preopercular angle 110°-111°; strong overlapping scales cover cheeks; 8-12 rows deep below center of orbit. Fully scaled midline of thorax. A very short tube, slightly taller posteriorly supports the anterior nostril opening. Caudal fin slightly incised.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black foxface is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 15 m . Tropical Central Pacific: endemic to Tonga, common only in the northernmost island group, Vavau.
🌿 Ecology
seaweeds
📐 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
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 100 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black foxface 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
👥 Community & Contribute
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