Moonstone Chromis

📖 Overview

Usually frequents deep reefs with some sponge and coral cover, reaching 86 m, although sometimes recorded at shallower depths of 25 m. Associates with species of the genera Sacura, Pseudanthias, Tosanoides and Pseudolabrus .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D XIV,13-14; A II,12; pectoral rays 19-20; tubed lateral-line scales 15-17; gill rakers 5-6 + 17-20 = 22-26; caudal fin with two spinous procurrent rays dorsally and ventrally. Colour of adult generally silvery white with a large black spot on the pectoral fin base that reaches the lower limits of the axil; juvenile's head and body entirely gunmetal to silvery-grey, overlaid with greenish blue iridescence dorsally; the iris pale blue to grey, bright metallic blue on dorsal edge; axil of pectoral fin base with large black spot; caudal peduncle greyish yellow to bright yellow posteriorly; dorsal fin bright yellow, with basal part of spinous part of fin greyish yellow in larger juveniles; anal fin bright yellow; caudal fin bright yellow basally with remainder of fin hyaline in small juveniles, the yellow area becoming more extensive to cover most of fin in larger juveniles; pectoral fins are hyaline; pelvic fins greyish hyaline, edged in pale blue .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Moonstone Chromis is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 30 - 50 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan and probably South Korea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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