Pentapodus vitta Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
Western butterfish
photo by Good, P.

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Head scales reaching forward to or just in front of level of anterior nostrils. Scaled area between nostrils with a distinct naked wedge-shaped notch. Suborbital naked. Lower limb of preopercle naked. Pelvic fins moderately long, reaching to or just before level of anus. Lobes of caudal fin more or less equal in length. Color: Body silvery-white.
Biology:  Inhabits seagrass beds and reef areas. Also on near shore rocky bottoms of coastal bays (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 July 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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