Parexocoetus brachypterus (Richardson, 1846)

Marine

During breeding, a spawning aggregation composed at least of 3-4 individuals, probably 2-3 males to 1 female, were observed jumping and flying over the water surface, exuding ripe eggs and sperm in the process. Spawning on surface substrate (e.g. flotsam) when present is the usual reproductive mode but other modes may be employed if this substrate is not available. The fertilised eggs may remain suspended in the water surface during its development with the help of the small filaments on the egg surface and the adhesive filaments holding the egg mass together, by increasing the surface to volume ratio of the eggs, which aids in propping the eggs up in the water column. The eggs may also be suspended upon current or become benthic.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Occurs in coastal waters , rare in the open ocean . Inhabits coral reefs . Feeds on zooplankton .

Habitat pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m

Not Evaluated IUCN 2006

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