Creole-fish
Paranthias furcifer
(Valenciennes, 1828)
Description:
Body elongated, with a forked tail. Varies from olive to bright reddish brown, occasionally with a purplish cast, belly pale salmon. Three light spots along the back and a bright red spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
Size up to 30 cm.
Habitat:
Inhabit coral reefs and hard bottom areas, down to 50 m. Observed in feeding aggregations well above the reef. Feeds mainly in midwater on zooplankton. Retreats instantly when alarmed.
Distribution:
Rare Florida, Bahamas and northern Caribbean, common central and southern Caribbean.