Doublespotted Queenfish

Description: Dorsal bluish, ventral silver or white; spots oval dusky 5-8 in double series above and below LL, first 4-5 intersects LL; dorsal lobe distal half abruptly and heavily pigmented grey to black (Ref. 3197, 90102). Body oblong and elliptical, compressed strongly; profiles dorsal and ventral about equally convex. Upper jaw extends to or slightly beyond eye posterior edge in adult (Ref. 90102). Scales needle-like and imbedded in tough skin; breast scales sharply lanceolate and embedded on middle of body below lateral line. Fins dorsal and anal posterior soft rays consist several semi-detached finlets. (Ref. 37816, 90102)

Erilepturus Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Migrate to the outer reef slope to spawn several days after the full moon (Ref. 37816).

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 21; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 17 - 19

Pelagic species which occurs in inshore waters of the continental shelf (Ref. 75154). Also found on both mangrove and non-mangrove mudflats (Ref. 125515).

Found only in relatively clear waters (Ref. 32693), adults in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, juveniles in shallow inshore and brackish waters (Ref. 9710). Pelagic (Ref. 58302). Mainly solitary but sometimes form small loose groups (Ref. 48635). Adults feed on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 5213) while juveniles feed on scales and epidermal tissues torn from other schooling fishes (Ref. 9710, 90102). Venom glands were not visible, not able to be confirmed in specimen (Ref. 57406). Utilized fresh, dried or salted or frozen (Ref. 9987).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; bait: occasionally; price category: medium; price reliability: questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this genus