Cantherhines dumerilii (Hollard, 1854)

Size

This fish species, Cantherhines dumerilii, can grow to a maximum length of 38 cm (15 in), though most individuals reach around 25 cm (10 in) in length.

Fin Structure

Its dorsal fin has two spines and 34 to 39 soft rays, while its anal fin has no spines and 28 to 35 soft rays.

Body Coloration

This fish has yellow eyes, and its general body color is grayish or yellowish-brown, marked with around twelve vertical dark bars. Its fleshy lips are white.

Fin Coloration

The small, rounded tail fin is orange, and all other fins are yellowish.

Sexual Dimorphism

The spines on the caudal peduncle are orange; males of the species have longer, deeper orange caudal spines, a darker orange caudal fin, and darker eyes.

Distribution Range

Cantherhines dumerilii is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where its range extends from the East African coast to French Polynesia, Japan, and Hawaii. It is also found in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico and Colombia.

Adult Habitat

It is a common resident of coral reefs, and prefers to retreat into rock crevices and caves when disturbed.

Juvenile Habitat

Juvenile individuals are pelagic, and sometimes hide under floating objects.