Fowleria variegata (Valenciennes 1832)

This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VII + I,9; A II,8; pectoral fin rays 12-14; lateral-line scales 23 (23rd overlapping caudal-fin base), the first 10-13 with tubes; median predorsal scales 4; total gill-rakers 3-4 + 11-13; developed rakers 1+ 5-6; rear edge of preopercle ridge smooth, the lower edge membranous and crenulate; body depth 2.5-2.95, head length 2.3-2.4 in SL; snout length 4.2-4.5, eye diameter 3.1-3.8, interorbital width 5.8-7.05, and upper-jaw length 1.9-2.0, all in head length; jaws and vomer with villiform teeth in bands, none on palatines; caudal-peduncle depth 1.15-1.45 in peduncle length, and peduncle length 4.2-4.7 in SL; round shaped caudal fin (Ref. 50837).

CDistinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Nocturnal species which occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Found in coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays and shallow lagoons (Ref. 1602, 58534).

Found in coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays and shallow lagoons (Ref. 1602); also in dead reef and rubble (Ref. 48635). Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Solitary or in small groups (Ref 90102).

分布於印度-西太平洋區，西起紅海，東至薩摩亞，北至台灣、日本，南迄澳洲大堡礁。台灣分布於南部、東部及澎湖等海域。

無任何經濟價值。

體小型，狹長而側扁；側線不完全，僅延伸至第一背鰭基底後下方。腭骨無齒。鱗易脫落。尾鰭圓。D. VII+I，9；A. II，8； P. 14； Ll. 10-13； Pred.S. 4-5； GR. (3-4)+12 (developed GR.4-6)。體呈黃褐色，體側有時具有暗色垂直橫帶；鰓蓋上有白緣大眼點。各鰭皆具多條點帶紋。

主要棲息於近岸海灣或潟湖內之珊瑚礁區或藻床，也發現於死珊瑚或碎石區。以浮游動物或其它底棲無脊椎動物為食。

Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300.). Found in coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays and shallow lagoons (Ref. 1602).