• EnglishName: Forceps fish
  • Local Name : Thun bibee
  • Size : Max. 19 cm
  • Family: CHAETODONTIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 12 spines and 21-25 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 17-18 rays. Pectoral fin with 14-16 rays. Body depth 2.1-2.2 in standard length. Long snout (usually more than 3.2 times in standard length). Mouth with a distinct gape.
  • Colour: Overall yellow; upper half of head and nape black; white below. A black spot on anal fin just below base of caudal fin.
  • Habitat and Biology: Commonly found in outer reef slopes at depths up to 30 m. Occurs singly or in small groups. Feeds on hydroids, small crustaceans, polychaetes and other worms.
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific.
  • Remarks: Forcipiger flavissimus is closely related to F. longirostris (next page) and these species are sometimes seen together. A popular aquarium fish.
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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives