Cheilodipterus novemstriatus

Maximum size: 8 cm

Common size: 5 cm

Depth range: 5-30 m

Habitat:

• Hard - rocky, coral, artificial

Water column position:

• Supra-benthic

Schooling characteristics:

• Small groups
• Large schools

Colors & patterns:

• Body silvery gray with 4 black stripes
• 5th stripe runs along anal-fin base, continues anteriorly to pelvic-fin base, at which point it curves upward to reach in front of pectoral-fin base. The part of this stripe anterior to anal-fin base is often indistinct
• A black oval spot at middle of caudal peduncle encircled by a yellow area
• A distinct black spot on dorsal surface of caudal peduncle
• Area between yellow pigment and this spot appears as distinct white mark
• Two dorsal fins

Behavior:

• Cryptic - caves/crevices/overhangs
• Reef-associated - shelters among the spines of Diadema sea urchins or similar structures
• Diurnal and Nocturnal
• Approach: Indifferent and Easily approached

5. Feeding characteristic - zooplanktivore

Exotic: Indo-Pacific