The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis is a species of fish belonging to the family Pempheridae. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters, exhibiting a distinctive silvery-white coloration and a compressed body shape.
Description & Characteristics
The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 20.0 cm. This species is characterized by its elongated, compressed body, a slightly pointed snout, and large eyes. Its dorsal fin is composed of two distinct parts: a short, spiny portion followed by a longer, soft-rayed portion. The anal fin is also composed of two distinct parts, with a short, spiny portion followed by a longer, soft-rayed portion. The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis possesses a silvery-white coloration with a dark, grayish band running along its lateral line.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis is a common inhabitant of coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds, typically found in shallow waters with depths ranging from 1.0 to 25.0 meters. This species can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the neritic zone, which encompasses coastal waters from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This fish is often observed in aggregations, congregating in large schools near coral reefs or other suitable habitats.
Taxonomy
The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acropomatiformes, and Family: Pempheridae. The Order Acropomatiformes is a diverse group of fishes, characterized by their generally elongate bodies, well-developed spines, and distinct scales. The Family Pempheridae, also known as the sweeper fishes, comprises approximately 20 species. These fish are typically small, silvery in color, and possess a compressed, deep body shape. They are known for their nocturnal habits, forming large schools during the day that disperse to feed at night.
Feeding
The Vanikoro Sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis is a nocturnal, planktivorous fish. This means it primarily feeds on small, drifting organisms in the water column, particularly zooplankton. Their diet consists of a variety of zooplankton, including copepods, amphipods, krill, mysids, and other small crustaceans. They are also known to feed on small invertebrates and daphnia salina.
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