Hapalogenys bengalensis Mohapatra, Ray & Kumar, 2013
Indian velvetchin
Hapalogenys bengalensis
photo by Mohapatra, A./MARC, Zoological Survey of India

Family:  Lobotidae (Tripletails)
Max. size:  8.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: India, Bay of Bengal.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: fleshy lowerlip with dense cluster of very small papillae anteriorly; 10 unobstructed pores on or behind chin, 3 longitudinal stripes on body irrespective of size of the specimen, their width below the base of 5th and 6th dorsal fin spines clearly wider than pupil diameter; tip of pelvic fin almost reaching beyond the first anal fin spine when depressed, sometimes reaching the second anal spine; transverse scale rows 7-8 above lateral line, 19-20 below lateral line, gill rakers 7+11 in all specimens; soft rayed portion of dorsal and anal fins somewhat rounded (Ref. 94191).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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