Adult Macolor niger are common at Kwajalein. They are usually seen along the seaward reef along the knee of the dropoff at depths of about 8 to 15m along with the similar Macolor macularis. Juveniles are sporadically seen hanging around coral colonies or small outcrops on both seaward and pinnacle reefs. Adults tend to be gray to black.
Juveniles are white and black similar to juvenile Macolor macularis but with shorter, rounded pelvic fins.
As they get older, they develop a white spot and band pattern, also similar to M. macularis.
One of the Macolor species, we think M. niger, forms schools that swim along the steep seaward slope. The next two photos show a school passing along the reef overhead.
Created 15 April 2017
Updated 8 August 2020