Egyptian sweeper – Parapriacanthus guentheri

Egyptian sweeper, Pigmy Sweeper, Dlass Fish, Red Sea Dwarf Sweeper, Parapriacanthus guentheri

The Pigmy Sweeper, Dlass Fish, Red Sea Dwarf Sweeper, scientifically known as Parapriacanthus guentheri, is a small, fascinating fish species found in the Red Sea. This species stands out for its unique appearance and ecological role within its marine habitat.

Description & Characteristics

Parapriacanthus guentheri, commonly known as the Pigmy Sweeper, Dlass Fish, or Red Sea Dwarf Sweeper, is a small fish species reaching a maximum size of 5.6 cm. It’s characterized by its elongated body and a slightly compressed profile. The fish has a silver-grey body adorned with black spots and a distinctive dark stripe running along its lateral line. The dorsal fin, which is situated on the back, is typically short and rounded, while the anal fin is longer and positioned near the tail. The caudal fin (tail fin) is forked, giving it a characteristic shape.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Pigmy Sweeper, Dlass Fish, Red Sea Dwarf Sweeper, or Parapriacanthus guentheri, is endemic to the Red Sea, where it thrives in a variety of habitats. It is typically found in shallow reef environments, often seeking shelter among coral formations and rocky outcrops. This fish is a common sight at depths ranging from a few meters to around 50 meters, highlighting its adaptability to different depths. Parapriacanthus guentheri is often found in the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal areas of the Red Sea. This zone is typically defined as extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, where light penetration allows for photosynthesis to occur.

Taxonomy

The species Parapriacanthus guentheri belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acropomatiformes, and Family: Pempheridae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and shared characteristics with other fish species within these taxonomic groups. The Teleostei class represents a vast group of bony fish, characterized by their advanced skeletal structures and adaptations for aquatic life. The Acropomatiformes order encompasses a smaller group of fish, often exhibiting similar morphological features and ecological roles. Finally, the Pempheridae family includes fish that share common traits, including their nocturnal habits, flattened body shapes, and specific feeding strategies.

Feeding

The Pigmy Sweeper, Dlass Fish, Red Sea Dwarf Sweeper, or Parapriacanthus guentheri, is a carnivorous fish that plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It predominantly feeds on a variety of zooplankton, including copepods, amphipods, krill, and mysids. This species also consumes small fish larvae and Daphnia salina. Its diet reflects its adaptation to a specialized feeding niche within the Red Sea’s diverse food web.

Associated Species

Image References

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