Latin name

Pempheris vanicolensis

Other name

Greenback bullseye

Identification

The Vanikoro Sweeper has a compressed body that is deepest at the beginning of the dorsal fin and then tapers noticeably to the tail, especially on the ventral side, with a narrow caudal outgrowth. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 6 spines and 9 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 31-43 soft rays.

Fish colouring

Usually the back and most of the head of these fish are greenish. The anal fin has a distinct black border, the tip of the dorsal fin is black, and the pectoral fins are yellow with no black markings. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, but the exact distribution is the subject of some debate. Strictly speaking, P. vanikolensis is distributed from the Andaman Sea eastward through the Malay Archipelago to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where the type specimen was collected at Vanikoro.

Habitat

Found in shallow waters, usually no deeper than 100 meters, in tropical and subtropical seas, often on coral reefs. 

Size

The body depth is 2.2-2.4 times the standard length, and the total length of fish of this species reaches 20 cm. 

Behavior

Vanikoro sweepers are found in schools on and around rocky and coral reefs. During the day it hides under ledges, in caves, harbors and shipwrecks. 

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed at night on zooplankton high in the water column.

Reproduction

They reproduce by laying eggs in the main body of water. Their eggs are pelagic.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. There is no evidence that this fish has been successfully kept in captivity.