Xenaploactis cautes Poss & Eschmeyer, 1980
Rough velvetfish

Family:  Aploactinidae (Velvetfishes)
Max. size:  2.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 33 - 79 m
Distribution:  Indo-western Pacific: Gulf of Thailand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 27-28. Body densely covered with modified scales which form spinous points; depth less than 1/3 SL.. Lachrymal with 3 strong sharp spines, the first of moderate size , points mostly forward, continuous with ridge at base of larger 2nd spine (about equal in length to 3rd), directed downward, slightly curved; 3rd spine points mostly back. Second infraorbital bone with 2 spines, 1 above other, with obscure circular lateral line pore. Interorbit with nearly parallel ridges, stronger posteriorly (Ref. 35984, 39602).
Biology:  Occurs on soft bottom. Benthic (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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