| Family: |
Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae |
| Max. size: |
11.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Natal, South Africa and the Mariana Islands. Likely to occur in Seychelles (Ref. 1623). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 36-37; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 33-35; Vertebrae: 26-26. Body mauve with shades of pale green; yellow snout; cheeks with large brown spots; violet spot below eye, banded with shades of bright yellow and emerald green. 2nd dorsal fin banded, tips of rays yellow; pectorals brownish caudal fin may have a large dark spot (described by Fowler from a single specimen found in the stomach of a flatfish). A black bar below anterior half of orbit crossing corner of mouth and extending onto chin. |
| Biology: |
The holotype was taken from the stomach of a flatfish (Arnoglossus) caught at a depth of 90 m off Natal. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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