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).