Red Axil Emperor

Description: Cheeks without scales. The body and head are brownish or gray, becoming lighter ventrally. The lips and the patch above the base of the pectoral fin and the edge of the operculum are red. The fins are orangish, dusky or mottled (Ref. 2295). Body depth 3.2-3.4 in SL. Moderately long snout, 1.7-1.8 in HL. Supratemporal patch 8 scales. Pectoral fin axil inner surface scaleless (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Solitarily inhabits sand, rubble, and weed areas near corals (Ref. 90102) in deep reefs. Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. Gonads in spawning state have been observed in October. This species is not well represented in museums due to the relatively large capture size for most specimens (Ref. 2295). Also caught with handlines (Ref. 9775).

fisheries: commercial

Inhabits deep reefs. Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. Gonads in spawning state have been observed in October. This species is not well represented in museums due to the relatively large capture size for most specimens (Ref. 2295). Also caught with handlines (Ref. 9775).