Photo. (c) 2022 Save Our Seas Foundation. Photographer. Ryan Daly.
Scientific Name: Monotaxis heterodon
English Name: Redfin emperor
Creole Name:
French Name:
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 10; Dorsal rays: 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 9.
Cheek with scales. Sides of jaws with round molars. 12.5 scales rows between lateral line and anal fin origin.
A silvery-grey to orangy seabream, darker dorsally. Narrow white bars on body 1-2 scale rows wide. A large black blotch behind the pectoral-fin base. Lips brownish to
reddish. Red tinge to fins and a yellowish tail.
Similar to M. grandoculis but with narrower upper body bars (2 scales wide rather than 3-4), no black spots at base of soft dorsal fin, smaller size and dark colouration
extending further down flanks.
Size:
Maturity: Unknown. Max 35cm TL
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits sheltered coral reefs (depth 3-25 m). Solitary or in small groups.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations.
Notes:
Monotaxis grandoculis differs in having yellow lips (vs. red); black spots usually at base of soft dorsal fin (vs. no black spots) and 13½ scale rows below lateral
line to anal-fin origin (vs. 12½). Juveniles have broad pale bars on sides (vs. narrow pale bars).
Photo. courtesy and (c) 2022 Save Our Seas Foundation. Photographer: Ryan Daly. Photo taken in the Amirantes.
References:
Bray, D.J. (2018). Monotaxis heterodon in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4899 (03/07/22).
Carpenter, K.E. et al. (2016). Monotaxis heterodon. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T16721443A16722455.en. (03/07/22).
fishIDER, CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection. Monotaxis heterodon. https://fishider.org/en/guide/osteichthyes/lethrinidae/monotaxis/monotaxis-heterodon (03/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Monotaxis-heterodon.html (03/07/22).
Reef Life Survey. Monotaxis heterodon, Redfin emperor. https://reeflifesurvey.com/species/monotaxis-heterodon/ (03/07/22).
WoRMS. Monotaxis heterodon (Bleeker, 1854). https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1042872#attributes (04/07/22).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. & Daly, R. (2022). Monotaxis heterodon, Redfin emperor. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/monotaxis-heterodon-bleeker-1854/