Distinct dark scale edges and large black spot on pectoral fin base. Body usually charcoal or black, sometimes with yellow or white tail and rear edges of dorsal and anal fins. Can form large aggregations. Most common around walls and drop offs. Recent taxonomic work has split off populations of this species as separate, distinct species. Populations in eastern Australia are now considered P. magniseptus, P. nigriradiatus in the SW Pacific, P. albiaxillaris in Palau, and P. flavoaxillaris in Micronesia, Caroline Is (and in between Palau and these locations).

• Max Size: 10 cm
• Sea Temperature Range: 23.7-31.2°C
• Depth: 1-12m
• Habitat: Coral Reef, Rocky Reef
• Habitat Generalisation Index: 18.8
  Also referred to as the SGI (Species generalisation index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here

• Threats: Exploitation
• IUCN Threat Status: Not Evaluated
• Occurrence: Common (27% of sites)
  Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
• Abundance: Many (41 per transect)
  Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.