Ostorhinchus aureus (Lacepède 1802)

Distinguished by having the following characteristics: Dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9; anal-fin rays II,8; pectoral-fin rays 14; pelvic-fin rays I,5; pored lateral line scales 25; predorsal scales 5; circumpeduncular scales 12; total gill rakers 24, developed gill rakers, 21; without oblique dark bars on cheek (Ref. 93839). Color in life coppery with iridescence, paler posteriorly; a blackish stripe, bordered by a blue line, running from front of snout through eye and beyond; a narrow blue streak on maxilla. Large and oblique mouth; median predorsal scales 5; preopercular ridge smooth with posterior and most of ventral margin serrate. Black bar encircling caudal peduncle present in both young and adult phases (Ref. 02142).

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

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 14

Found to inhabit caves and under projections in rocky reefs (Ref. 9137); also in coral reefs (Ref. 58534). Nocturnal species (Ref. 75154). Exhibit the black gut phenomenon. In nocturnal predators, they appear to serve to conceal bioluminiscent prey in the stomach cavity (Ref. 46685).

Inhabits holes in rocks or under ledges in shallow waters. Known to occur in mixed aggregates with Apogon apogonoides during summer and autumn, but form separate aggregates in winter and spring (Ref. 559 and 637). Forms aggregations (Ref 90102).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family