Ward's sleeper
📖 Overview
Found in sandy areas of shallow lagoon reefs. Inhabits coastal bays and inner reefs, usually on deep silty slopes from about 15 meters down . Occurs in pairs .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Characterized by pale grey to whitish body color with three brown bars on side; blue-white band below eye; first dorsal fin with ocellated black spot; presence of narrow dark brown saddles below anterior part of second dorsal fin and dorsally on caudal peduncle; brown with narrow blue margin, outer half of caudal fin; without filamentous dorsal spines; rounded caudal fin, equal or slightly shorter than head; longitudinal scale series 70-88; ctenoid body scales, becoming cycloid anteriorly in front of first dorsal fin; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward slightly anterior to opening of gill; pectoral fin base and prepelvic area usually scaled; depth of body 5.0-5.5 in SL .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ward's sleeper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 88 m , usually 5 - 20 m . Tropical; 22°C - 27°C known from widely scattered localities in the Indian Ocean and western tropical Pacific.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Ward's sleeper is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ward's sleeper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ward's sleeper.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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