Pseudanthias huchtii (Bleeker, 1857)
Red-cheeked fairy basslet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed); 6 cm TL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Moluccas and the Philippines to Vanuatu, south to the Great Barrier Reef; Palau in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Characterized by male having blue grey color with strong yellowish hue, median fin yellow, bright red band from rear edge of eye to base of pectoral fin, anterior half of pelvic fin red; female with dull yellow or greenish yellow color with bright yellow upper and lower margins on caudal fin; greatest depth of body 2.3-2.8 in SL; absence of fleshy protuberance at front of upper lip in males; greatly prolonged third dorsal spine in male; lunate caudal fin with filamentous tips in male; pelvic fins not reaching anal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs singly or in small groups around coral outcrops of clear outer reef slopes. Males are territorial and haremic (Ref. 9710). Total length for females from Masuda & Allen, 1993 (Ref. 9137).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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