Sweepers are a family of small to medium sized fish with 26 members, of which two species are commonly spotted diving from Koh Lanta. Reaching up to 22 cm for some species, they have compressed (flat), elongated, and deep bodies.
This family have large eyes and a short dorsal fin, which can often be higher than it is long. The dorsal fin is much shorter than the extensive anal fin. Sweepers range in colour from bronze to silvery brown with dark dorsal-fin tips and forward anal fin tips.
Sweepers live in relatively shallow water and are often found in schools in caves, under ledges, and in the many nooks and crannies found on coral reefs. This family are often found sharing these hiding places with soldierfish, squirrelfish and cardinalfish.
Sweepers are nocturnal feeders and at night they disperse to feed on zooplankton, crustaceans and bristle-worms.
2 species found on this page.
