This is a common species at Kwajalein and can be seen on the slopes of many pinnacle and seaward reefs. On pinnacles, it prefers areas swept by currents, such as those located near passes in the reefs. They typically form large schools and are usually seen swimming well up off the bottom feeding on plankton. The dark face is rather hard to get a photograph of, since it often disappears into the dark background of the photo.
Here is how they are usually seen, hanging in the water off the edge of the seaward reef. The light specks on the right side of the photo are additional Hemitaurichthys polylepis in the distance.
Created 15 October 2010
Updated 20 May 2012