Rudarius excelsus Hutchins, 1977
Diamond leatherjacket
Rudarius excelsus
photo by Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC)

Family:  Monacanthidae (Filefishes)
Max. size:  2.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: northern Australia to southern Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal soft rays: 20-22; Vertebrae: 20-20. Diagnosis: Extremely small size at maturity (1.5 cm SL). Prominently elevated dorsal and ventral profiles. Extremely long bristles on caudal peduncle of male, projecting posteriorly to behind middle of caudal fin. Low fin ray counts (D.22 to 24; A.20 to 22; P.10) (Ref. 35708). Description: Body short and very deep. Teeth uneven, pointed distally. Head and body pale brown, covered with many small brown spots (Ref.
Biology:  Inhabits sheltered coastal habitats, usually in areas with mixed low reef and sparse seagrass (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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