Description:

Dorsal spines: 2; Dorsal rays: 32-36; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 29-32.
Body deep and compressed. Snout profile slightly concave. First dorsal spine originating over anterior half of eye, retractable into deep groove in back. Pelvic fin rudiment non-mobile, and not prominently projecting rearward of ventral flap. Caudal peduncle of adult males with a dense patch of fine bristles, naked in adult females and juveniles.
Colour. Brown with a network of close set polygonal spots, the reticulum being paler than the spots. Alternation blue and brown lines running from eye and gill slit to the terminal mouth. Iris brownish-orange. Small white patch on top of caudal peduncle at base of dorsal fin. Dorsal, anal and pectoral fins yellow-orange. Caudal fin darker with brown rays. 
 

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 25cm TL. Common Length: 15cm TL. 

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits shallow reefs and outer reef slopes, often in Silty habitats (depth 2-20m). The young float with loose surface weeds and adults are often within large Sargassum rafts. 
Solitary. Feeds on benthic organisms.
 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, but is a rare component of the catch. 

Notes:
References:

Bray, D.J. (2019). Cantherhines pardalis in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/798 (13/07/19).

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2019. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Cantherhines-pardalis (13/07/19)

Matsuura, K. & Motomura, H. 2016. Cantherhines pardalis (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List 2016: e.T70010275A115475527. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70010275A70011789.en. (13/07/19).

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