Mele's stiphodon
📖 Overview
Occurs in clear, high gradient streams with rocky bottom and lives mainly on the riverbed, on top of rocks, but also seen swimming in open water in the current between rocks or in large pools; observed from 10 to 100 m high in altitude. It spawns in freshwater, the free embryos drift downstream to the sea where they undergo a planktonic phase, before returning to the rivers to grow and reproduce .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10. This specie is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: D2 with 9 segmented rays; pectoral rays usually 13; premaxillary teeth, fine tricuspid, 36-41; small symphyseal teeth in female 2 (vs. 2-4 stout teeth in males); no predorsal scales; low number of scales in transverse back (3-7) and lateral series (14-21). Males usually orange in color, females greyish to brownish .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mele's stiphodon is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mele's stiphodon is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mele's stiphodon is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; amphidromous ; depth range ? - 5 m . Tropical endemic to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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