Diancistrus vietnamensis Schwarzhans, Møller & Nielsen, 2005
Vietnam coralbrotula
photo by W. Schwarzhans et al.

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  6.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.2 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: northernmost Viet Nam (Cat Ba Islands) and adjacent southernmost China.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 69-80; Anal soft rays: 58-64; Vertebrae: 31-33. This species is distinguished by the following: vertebrae 11+31-33=42-44, dorsal fin rays 69-80 (mostly <77), anal fin rays 58-64, D/V 7-8; moderately large eyes (2.0-2.9% SL); outer pseudoclasper with hook-shaped extension oriented backward at 90° angle and slightly bent outwards and with rounded tip; inner pseudoclasper short, joined to outer pseudoclasper anteriorly, with supporter, with anterior hook oriented forward at 90° angle and wide thin flap at its base; narrow scale patch on cheek with 4-5 scale rows on upper cheek, 4-5 scales in 2 rows on operculum above opercular spine; the head profile high-necked, broad; otolith length sulcus length at least 2.3, sulcus inclined at 5-10° (Ref. 57884).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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