Blue-backed basslet
📖 Overview
Observed frequently in the mid-to-upper rariphotic zone between 122-165 meters in or around small rock crevices, rock piles, or caves situated on steep limestone walls covered with coarse sediment and fine rubble composed of dead sections of Halimeda .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 15-16 (modally 16); gill rakers 18-20 total with 10-11 elongate rakers plus 2-4 short, stout rudiments on lower limb, 3-4 elongate rakers plus 1-3 rudiments on upper limb. Colouration when alive: body mostly yellow to tan with bright iridescent blue coloration on eye, dorsal portion of head, nape and dorsal portion of trunk beneath the spinous-dorsal fin; an oblique yellow bar from tip of snout to orbit and below eye; a large, round, black blotch outlined with blue below anterior origin of dorsal fin; a dark ocellus outlined in blue with yellow or dark center at rear insertion of dorsal fin that extends onto body .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue-backed basslet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 122 - 165 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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