Species: Monotaxis grandoculis
English Name: Humpnose Big-eye Bream
Chinese Name: 大眼黑鲷, 單列齒鯛
Family: Lethrinidae
Description:
The Humpnose Big-eye Bream has bluish-gray grading to whitish on the ventral parts of its body with yellow to pinkish lips. Area around the eye is often yellow or orange and the base of the upper pectoral fin rays and the inner base of the pectoral axil are black. The caudal fin usually has black rays that contrast against the paler membranous part of the fin. Can grow up to a length of 60 cm. Lives in sand and rubble areas near coral reefs. Preys on gastropods, ophiuroids, and echinoids. Commercialized for human consumption.
Photos used under a Creative Commons license
References:
– Carpenter, K.E. and G.R. Allen, 1989. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 9. Emperor fishes and large-eye breams of the world (family Lethrinidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of lethrinid species known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(9):118 p. Rome: FAO.