Taeniamia mozambiquensis (Smith 1961)

Diagnosis: Rays: dorsal VI + I,9; anal II,13-15; pectoral rays 14 (rarely 15). Gill rakers 5-6 + 16-18. Lateral-line scales 25+3-4. Median predorsal scales 5-6. Body depth 2.5-2.7 in SL; body width 2.2-2.6 in body depth; eye diameter 2.8-3.2 in head length; first dorsal spine 2.5-3.25 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.05-2.8, and third dorsal spine 2.1-2.9 in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.2-2.5, and second anal spine 2.4-3.1 in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.6-5.1 and caudal-peduncle length 4.1-5.1 in SL; distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 3.9-5.8 in SL. Posterior preopercular edge serrate on lower half; ventral edge serrate on posterior half. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base well developed (Ref. 54391).

Are mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 13 - 15

Occurs in loose aggregations between branching corals or coralline rocks (Ref. 9710), and seaweed in protected waters to a depth of 15 meters (Ref. 54391). Relatively common (Ref. 9710).