Gnatholepis Caudimaculata
📖 Overview
Very little information is available re this fish, photographed over white to blackish sand. This species has been shown to exhibit red fluorescence on the dorsal half of the eye, assumed to be part of a 'private communication system' as the fluorescence occurs in features that are used for intra-specific signals, especially the eyes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. This species is of moderate-size with cycloid scales on head and pectoral fin base, predorsal midline usually naked, distinct flap present at end of lower lip; body color when alive is whitish with finely speckled dorsum, characteristic vertical oval blackish to dark grey blotch across caudal fin base, two broad ladderlike orange to reddish stripes along body and oblique black curved or comma-shaped mark on top of eye; second dorsal and anal fin rays nearly always I,11; pectoral rays 15-17 (modally 16); lateral scales 25-28 (modally 26); predorsal scales 7-10 (usually 8) .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gnatholepis Caudimaculata is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 17 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: restricted to the Red Sea (Ethiopia, Israel), Gulf of Aqaba and Persian Gulf (Saudi Arabia), including Oman and Egypt.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Gnatholepis Caudimaculata.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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