Hoplolatilus erdmanni Allen, 2007
Triton tilefish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Malacanthidae (Tilefishes)
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 42 - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species differs from its congeners by the following characters: fewer lateral-line scales; reddish-brown bars on the side about 15 to 17; behind the eye is an obliquely angled, blue-edged yellow-orange stripe; across the operculum a thin blue stripe; across the entire caudal peduncle, a neon blue region; vivid red central caudal fin-rays (Ref. 75884). Description: Preopercular serrae 14-19; greatest depth of body 3.5-3.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  The areas of occurrence are exposed to periodic strong currents with about 15 individuals observed on gentle rubble slopes at depths of 42-60 m; seen solitarily, in pairs, or trios and generally in close proximity to large rubble mounds (estimated to range from 50-60 cm in height and 1.8-2 m in diameter. When approached too closely or frightened by spear shots, the fish quickly retreated into their burrow which are at the apex of the mound (Ref. 75884).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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