Pempheridae

Pempheridae, commonly known as sweepers or whiptail grunters, are a family of perciform fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are characterized by their compressed, laterally flattened bodies, and their distinctive dorsal fins, with a distinct anterior spine followed by a series of soft rays. This family comprises 18 species, distributed across five genera, each with unique characteristics.

Silver sweeper – Pempheris schwenkii

Egyptian sweeper – Parapriacanthus guentheri

Yellowfin sweeper – Pempheris bexillon

Orangelined bullseye – Pempheris ornata

Bronze sweeper – Pempheris analis

Vanikoro sweeper – Pempheris vanicolensis

Blackspot sweeper – Pempheris oualensis

Elongate bullseye – Parapriacanthus elongatus

Characteristics

Sweepers have a range of body sizes, from 6 to 35 cm long. They are primarily silvery in color, with some species displaying darker markings or stripes. Their eyes are relatively large and positioned high on their head, and their mouths are small and slightly oblique. These fish also possess a strong preopercle bone with a prominent spine, which is a defining characteristic of the family.

Habitat and Behavior

Pempheridae are primarily nocturnal, hiding in crevices or under ledges during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are generally found in shallow reef environments, particularly around coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. Some species, like the dwarf sweeper (Pempheris adusta), are known to inhabit deeper waters.

Diet

Sweepers are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of zooplankton, small invertebrates, and fish larvae. Their feeding habits play a significant role in maintaining the balance of reef ecosystems.

Reproduction

Pempheridae species are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. The eggs are buoyant and drift with the current, eventually hatching into larvae.

Genera

The five recognized genera within the Pempheridae family are:

  • Pempheris
  • Parapriacanthus
  • Pristolepis
  • Taractes
  • Torquigener

Economic Importance

While not commercially important for fisheries, sweepers are occasionally caught as bycatch. They are considered to be of moderate culinary value.

Conservation Status

Most sweeper species are considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status. However, some species, such as the dwarf sweeper (Pempheris adusta), are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and overfishing.

References

  • Froese, Rainer, and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2023). "Pempheridae" in FishBase. February 2023 version.
  • Nelson, J.S. (2006). Fishes of the World. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-25031-7.
  • Eschmeyer, W.N. (1998). Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. ISBN 0-940228-47-5.