Iniistius naevus Allen & Erdmann, 2012
Blemished razorfish
Iniistius naevus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Xyrichtyinae
Max. size:  13.19 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 25 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Andaman Islands (South Sentinel Island).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 25-25. Description: Characterized by male having pale bluish grey except middle of side with large brown to blackish spot on anterior back; female similar to male except whit patch in male is with partially yellow anterior border and bluish scales along ventral border, also back with scattered brown dots, following lateral line; dorsal rays IX,12; anal rays III,12; pectoral rays 12; pelvic rays I,5, branched soft rays; lateral line scales 20+5; scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 4; scales above lateral line to middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin 2; scales below lateral line to origin of anal fin 9; circumpeduncular scales 16; interrupted lateral line, pored scales 20+5 or 6; broad band of small scales on cheek with 6-9 horizontal scale rows with 32-45 scales; 3 small scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle; gill rakers 16-18; brachiostegal rays 5; depth of body 3.0-3.2 in SL; nearly vertical dorsal profile of snout; slender and flexible first two dorsal spines; vertebrae 25 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits locality with extensive open sand with gradual sloping bottom at 10-25 m. Dives into sand to sleep safely at night or to hide when alarmed. Occurs in loose groups (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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