Plectranthias raki
Plectranthias raki Shepherd, Pinheiro, Najeeb, Rocha & Rocha, 2025
Maldivian perchlet
Plectranthias raki
photo by Rocha, L.A.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  7.041 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 100 - 125 m
Distribution:  West Indian Ocean: Maldives.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,15; A III,7; pectoral-fin rays 13|13 (13|12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30-32 tubed scales; supraneural bones 3, predorsal formula 0/0 + 0/2/1 + 1/1/1/; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11-12; oblique rows of scales on cheek 8; longest dorsal spine the 4th or 5th; no fleshy tips on the dorsal-fin spines; no antrorse serrations on preopercle. Colouration: with a series of irregularly shaped patches of red-orange along dorsal two-thirds of body; patches divided into two indistinct rows by the lateral line; patches of red-orange dorsally and posteriorly, becoming more yellow-orange anteriorly and ventrally, golden yellow on opercle and maxilla; anal fin pointed, mostly white proximally, yellow distally, with two yellow spots approximately one-third orbit diameter at the base of third spine and fifth and sixth soft rays; two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots, approximately one-third orbit diameter, at either side of centermost caudal-fin rays; small orange spot, approximately one-half orbit in diameter, at the base of pelvic fin (Ref.132548).
Biology:  Observed to inhabits small holes of reef walls at several locations at approximately 100 to 125 m depth (Ref. 132548).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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