---
title: African Silver Sweeper (Pempheris tominagai)
scientific_name: Pempheris tominagai
common_name: African Silver Sweeper
taxon: Sweepers

published: 2024-11-14T13:19:41.941Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: African Silver Sweeper, Pempheris tominagai, Sweepers, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/sweepers/african-silver-sweeper
---

# African Silver Sweeper (*Pempheris tominagai*)

**Taxon:** Sweepers (*Pempheridae*)  


The African Silver Sweeper (Pempheris tominagai) is a subtropical, marine species found in pelagic-neritic zones with a depth range of 1 to 10 meters. It reaches a maximum length of 11.7 cm. The species is characterized by a black base on its anal fin and a typically yellowish caudal fin. 

Geographically, this species is widespread across the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the northwest coast of Australia. However, it is absent from the coasts and islands of Indonesia, northeastern Australia, and the Andaman Sea. It is allopatric with its sister species, Pempheris schwenkii, which is prevalent in the Pacific Ocean.

The genus name "Pempheris" derives from Greek, referring to a type of fish, while the species name "tominagai" honors Japanese ichthyologist Yoshiaki Tominaga for his significant contributions to the taxonomy and morphology of the Pempheridae family.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/sweepers/african-silver-sweeper)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*