Pempheris bexillon Mooi & Randall, 2014
Yellowfin sweeper
Pempheris bexillon
photo by Heemstra, P.C./SAIAB

Family:  Pempheridae (Sweepers)
Max. size:  13.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique Channel (Bassas da India, Anjouan, Grande Comore) and on or near the Mascarene Plateau (Agaléga Islands, Cargados Carajos, Mauritius, and Rodrigues).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 38-45; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: a yellow or yellowish dorsal fin with a black, distal margin along its full length, broadest on anterior rays (pupil-diameter width), gradually narrowing posteriorly, and the last ray with only a black tip; differs from its congeners by having large, deciduous cycloid scales on the flank; pectoral-fin base with a dark, oblong spot; anal fin with a dark margin along its length; 38-45 segmented anal-fin rays; 56-65 lateral-line scales; 31-35 total gill rakers on the first arch (Ref. 95447).
Biology:  Collected with ichthyocide on coral or rocky reefs at depths less than 10 m in areas with ledges, caves, and surge channels (Ref. 95447).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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