Hetereleotris Psammophila

📖 Overview

Observed on sand bottom close to coral reefs and found to be active at night. It was also observed in Naama Bay, Gulf of Aqaba at depth of 8 m. When disturbed, it quickly retreated, but not trying to hide or burrow in the sand .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,10, with no prolonged spines; A I,9; pectoral-fin rays 14-15, with 2 upper rays having short free tips; pelvic-fin rays I,5, with fifth ray unbranched or with one bifurcation; pelvic fins are separated and without fraenum; scales absent; head canals absent; suborbital rows of papillae with 4 transversal rows; anterior nostril long tube without process from the rim, posterior nostril short tube, about 1/3 length of anterior nostril; gill opening is restricted to pectoral-fin base; in life body transparent with scattered tiny whitish blue and brownish yellow spots aligned in vertical rows, and the vertical dark bar at the caudal-fin base; predorsal area is mottled with brown; head with dark brown bar extending obliquely from eye to upper lip, and 3 iridescent bluish blotches on cheek; when preserved coloration pattern is mostly lost except dark bar at caudal-fin base .Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Hetereleotris Psammophila is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 8 - 21 m . Tropical endemic to the Red Sea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Hetereleotris Psammophila.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute