Ammodytoides xanthops Randall & Heemstra, 2008
Yellow face sandlance
photo by Heemstra, P.C.

Family:  Ammodytidae (Sand lances)
Max. size:  12.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 26 - 62 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 48-49; Anal soft rays: 23-24; Vertebrae: 57-59. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 48-49; A 23-24; pectoral rays 15-16 (usually 15); lateral-line scales 106-112; absence of small scales dorsally on opercle; gill rakers 5-6 + 22-25; vertebrae 57-59; body depth 10.0-11.7% SL; eye diameter 3.3-3.5% SL; when fresh dark purplish gray dorsally, pale silvery blue on sides and ventrally; yellow on interorbital and most of head anterior to eye; dusky on front of snout and tip of lower jaw; series of 6-7 black spots at edge of dorsal fin; without black dots in fins; caudal fin with a broad blackish posterior border (Ref. 83531).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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