Fire Dartfish

Description: Characterized by pale grey to whitish anterior body; yellow snout; posterior body, red; pale yellow dorsal pennant; longitudinal scale series 110-130; extremely elongate first dorsal fin, extending beyond anterior one-third of second dorsal fin; posterior body scales with ctenii, usually more than 12; depth of body 4.4-4.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social (Ref. 52884).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 32; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 27 - 30

It is a common inhabitant of rubble channels and sandy ledges on outer reef slopes (Ref. 54301). Inhabits upper portions of outer reef slopes. Hovers above the bottom, facing the current to feed on zooplankton, copepods, and crustacean larvae. Several individuals may share the same hole (especially juveniles). Has a habit of flicking its pennant-like first dorsal fin back and forth (Ref. 1602, 48637).

Inhabits upper portions of outer reef slopes (Ref. 1602). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Hovers above the bottom, facing the current to feed on zooplankton, copepods, and crustacean larvae. Several individuals may share the same hole (especially juveniles). Has a habit of flicking its pennant-like first dorsal fin back and forth (Ref. 1602, 48637). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 9360. Monogamous (Ref. 52884).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial