Manonichthys jamali Allen & Erdmann, 2007 Jamal's dottyback |
photo by
Allen, M |
Family: | Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae | |||
Max. size: | 10 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 9 - 16 m | |||
Distribution: | Western Pacific: Indonesia. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-29; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-16. This species is distinct from its congeners in having the following features: pectoral fins hyaline; at least some ctenoid cheek and opercular scales; caudal-fin is rounded to truncate in young fish to strongly emarginate or lunate in adults; predorsal scales 17-22, extending anteriorly to point ranging from slightly posterior to slightly anterior to PIO pores; presence of a prominent dark bar across anterior caudal peduncle and adjacent posterior body extending onto basal 1/2 of posterior dorsal and anal fin rays (Ref. 74994). Description: Characterized by tan or light brown color; each body scale with yellow spot forming longitudinal rows on side; pelvic fins yellow; anterior lateral-line scales 23-29; depth of body 30.0-35.4 % of SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
Biology: | Inhabits frequently dense thickets of staghorn Acropora corals, encrusting layers of Galaxea corals, or rocky debris at depths of about 9-16 m. Either encountered solitarily or in loose groups of 2-4 individuals that range over an area of about 1.5-2 m. Observed to occasionally enter sponges of the genus Callyspongia. Its color pattern and behavior indicate a mimetic relationship with the common damselfish Chromis retrofasciata with which it co-occurs (Ref. 74994). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |