Family: |
Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae |
Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 60 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Mauritius and Maldives to the Solomon Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-27; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 23-26; Vertebrae: 26-26. Whitish head and body with 3 narrow stripes. Chin with a low, longitudinal, median fold. Scales close-set, embedded or partially embedded, non imbricate (except posteriorly). 1st dorsal fin higher than 2nd, 3rd - 5th spines of adults filamentous; 2nd dorsal with alternating blue and orange-yellow stripes. |
Biology: |
Occurs on rubble or sandy areas of seaward reefs (Ref. 9710, 48637). Solitary or in pairs (Ref. 90102). Burrows occasionally. |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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