Paradiancistrus christmasensis Schwarzhans & Møller, 2011
Christmas viviparous brotula
Paradiancistrus christmasensis
photo by W. Schwarzhans & P. R. Møller

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  6.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 15 - 22 m
Distribution:  Southeastern Indian Ocean, Christmas Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 78-78; Anal soft rays: 67-67; Vertebrae: 43-43. This species is distinguished by the following characters: vertebrae 11+32=43; dorsal fin rays 78; anal fin rays 67; head with narrow scale patch on cheeks with 3 rows on upper cheek and 2 rows on lower cheek; operculum scaleless; stubby snout profile; lower preopercular pore 1; otolith with undifferentiated, short sulcus, dorsal rim anteriorly expanded, posteriorly depressed, otolith length to otolith height 2.15, otolith length to sulcus length 2.3 (Ref. 88966).
Biology:  Cryptic and solitary, inhabits reef crevices (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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