Ptereleotris evides (Jordan & Hubbs 1925)

Light bluish gray in life, shading posteriorly to black; snout blackish; operculum with iridescent blue markings. Chin with a low fleshy protuberance, narrowing posteriorly to a low longitudinal fold. Caudal fin lobes blackish to dark reddish, broad centro-posterior region of fin whitish to yellowish; 1st dorsal fin dull orangish; 2nd dorsal and anal fins largely blackish; pectoral base with an orange to orange-red bar edged in blue. Juveniles with an oval black spot larger than eye at lower base of caudal fin.

Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social (Ref. 52884).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 26; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 23 - 26; Vertebrae: 26

Adults usually in pairs, juveniles in small aggregations. Usually hover in small schools of up to ten or more individuals over the reefs (Ref. 6110).

Occurs in outer reef slopes, also inhabits lagoons and bays. Usually in pairs as adults and in small aggregations as juveniles, Ref. 48637. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Feeds on zooplankton while hovering 1 to 2 m above the bottom. Swims away from danger rather than retreat to its burrow.

aquarium: commercial