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Platygillellus rubrocinctus (Longley, 1934) Saddle stargazer |
| Family: | Dactyloscopidae (Sand stargazers) | |||
| Max. size: | 6.4 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to Panama. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 16-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 25-26. Pale tan or white with 4 broad reddish-brown bands on side between nape and caudal fin base. Dorsal and caudal fin rays have dark spots. 3 spines in dorsal finlet (Ref. 26938). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits sand and rubble areas around coral reefs or exposed rocks. Absent from surf beaches (Ref. 27742). The reddish-brown bands along the sides of the fish serve as camouflage when the fish partially buries itself in sand (Ref. 26938). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 December 2024 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||