Maldivian perchlet

📖 Overview

Observed to inhabits small holes of reef walls at several locations at approximately 100 to 125 m depth .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,15; A III,7; pectoral-fin rays 13|13 (13|12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30-32 tubed scales; supraneural bones 3, predorsal formula 0/0 + 0/2/1 + 1/1/1/; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11-12; oblique rows of scales on cheek 8; longest dorsal spine the 4th or 5th; no fleshy tips on the dorsal-fin spines; no antrorse serrations on preopercle. Colouration: with a series of irregularly shaped patches of red-orange along dorsal two-thirds of body; patches divided into two indistinct rows by the lateral line; patches of red-orange dorsally and posteriorly, becoming more yellow-orange anteriorly and ventrally, golden yellow on opercle and maxilla; anal fin pointed, mostly white proximally, yellow distally, with two yellow spots approximately one-third orbit diameter at the base of third spine and fifth and sixth soft rays; two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots, approximately one-third orbit diameter, at either side of centermost caudal-fin rays; small orange spot, approximately one-half orbit in diameter, at the base of pelvic fin.Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Maldivian perchlet is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 100 - 125 m . Tropical West Indian Ocean: Maldives.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

👥 Community & Contribute