Azurina elerae (Fowler & Bean, 1928)
Twinspot chromis
Azurina elerae
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 12 - 70 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldive Island and east to Fiji and Island of Micronesia (except Marshall Is,); north to Taiwan; south to the Philippines and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-11. Color of body grayish brown; edges of scales orangish or bluish; dorsal and anal fins with whitish spot on its posterior half; anus region blackish; upper base of pectoral with a blackish spot. Opercular margin serrate. 15-17 tubed lateral line scales. Eyes large (Ref. 2693). Body depth 1.8-1.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit cave openings and crevices of steep outer reef slopes in small aggregations (Ref. 9710, 48636). May also be seen singly with black corals, large sponges or gorgonian fans. Diurnal species (Ref. 54980; 113699). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 48636.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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