Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackedged sweeper (Pempheris mangula) is a saltwater fish of the family Pempheridae that grows up to 16 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Oman, Papua New Guinea and others
Description
The Blackedged sweeper is a sweeper (Pempheridae) from the Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a deep, rearward-tapering, copper-red body with large eyes. The fins bear dark margins. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day in dense schools in caves and under overhanging coral; at night it swarms out to eat zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackedged sweeper?
The Blackedged sweeper has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Blackedged sweeper live?
The Blackedged sweeper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: American Samoa, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Oman, Papua New Guinea and others
How big does the Blackedged sweeper get?
The Blackedged sweeper grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Blackedged sweeper dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackedged sweeper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Blackedged sweeper and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pempheris
More from the family Pempheridae
Want the complete picture on the Blackedged sweeper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackedged sweeper is one of 12,519 species in the app.