Helcogramma Microstigma
📖 Overview
Female members of the Tripterygiidae have eggs that 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): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20; Vertebrae: 34 - 36. Diagnosis: Dorsal fin III + XIII+ 10-11, first fin tall; anal fin I + 18-20; pectoral rays 15 (3+6+6); pelvic fin I, 2, spine short and hidden, segmented rays simple, partially united by membrane. Vertebrae 11 + 23-25. LL total lateral scales 37-38; tubed 24-30, ends below 3rd dorsal fin; transverse 9/7; nape, belly, and anterior of 1st dorsal fin base scaleless, caudal-fin base with 2-3 rows of scales. Mandibular pores 4+1+4. Lower labial folds narrow; upper lip inner margin crenulated. Orbital cirrus simple and pointed. Head length 3.4 in SL; eye 2.9, maxilla 2.2 in HL. Overall dark pink, with 3 orange spots at 2nd dorsal-fin base, and pink spots along midline and anal-fin base. Males masked black below eye. Females unmasked head; caudal peduncle with dark bar .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Helcogramma Microstigma is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic. Tropical; 11°S - 26°S, 32°E - 50°E Indian Ocean: Mozambique to Comoros.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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