Helcogramma Ellioti
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit rocky boulders from depths of 2 to 5 m, common at depths less than 10 m . They live in small groups, each comprising a male and several females on rock surfaces and under ledges and tidepools . Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites . Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20; Vertebrae: 34 - 35. Diagnosis: Dorsal fin III + XIII+ 9-10, second fin same height of first; anal fin I + 18; pectoral rays 16 (1+8+7); pelvic fin I, 2, spine short and hidden, segmented rays simple, partially united by membrane. Vertebrae 10 + 24-25. LL total lateral scales 36-38, pored series 33-37 (21) scales; nape, belly, and anal-fin base scaleless, caudal fin base with only 1 row of scales. Mandibular pores 5-7+3-5+5-7. Orbital cirrus flat and palmate. Head length 3.5 in SL; eye 2.8; maxilla 2.3 in HL. Male head dark brown on top, reddish above eye, black and blue below, with narrow stripe from maxilla to preopercle; body brownish grey with 3 pale saddles; belly pink. Female head white with red and brown spots below, shading darker and with brown blotches above, with brown stripe from upper lip to corner of eye; body white with brown oblique semi-bars and blotches on dorsal half of side . Males distinctly colored during courtship, but look drab at other times .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Helcogramma Ellioti is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Helcogramma Ellioti is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Helcogramma Ellioti is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 10 m , usually 2 - 5 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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