Symphysanodon, also known as the slopefishes, is a genus of small marine fishes. Most are found in the Indo-Pacific, but three species, S. berryi, S. mona, and S. octoactinus, are found in the Western Atlantic.[1] They are found on rocky reefs at depths of 50–700 m (160–2,300 ft). Traditionally, this genus is the only member of the family Symphysanodontidae,[1] but in 2017 a new species, C. aureolateralis, was placed in its own genus Cymatognathus.[2]
The largest species of Symphysanodon can reach 20 cm (7.9 in) in length.[1] Their bodies are slender and compressed, with blunt snouts. They are red, pink, oranges or yellow in colour. The caudal fin is usually distinctively forked. The dorsal fins have 9 dorsal spines and 10 soft rays, whereas the anal fin has three anal spines and seven or eight soft rays.[3]
There are currently 12 recognized species in this genus:[1]
Symphysanodon, also known as the slopefishes, is a genus of small marine fishes. Most are found in the Indo-Pacific, but three species, S. berryi, S. mona, and S. octoactinus, are found in the Western Atlantic. They are found on rocky reefs at depths of 50–700 m (160–2,300 ft). Traditionally, this genus is the only member of the family Symphysanodontidae, but in 2017 a new species, C. aureolateralis, was placed in its own genus Cymatognathus.