Diancistrus eremitus Schwarzhans, Møller & Nielsen, 2005
Lonely coralbrotula
photo by W. Schwarzhans et al.

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  8.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 0 - 16 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: New Guinea-Solomon Island chain; off western Fiji.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 83-86; Anal soft rays: 66-71; Vertebrae: 42-44. The species is characterized by the following: vertebrae 11+31-33=42-44, dorsal fin rays 83-86, anal fin rays 66-71; eyes very large (?3.0% SL), D/V 5-6; the outer pseudoclasper is large, more than 2 times the length of inner pseudoclasper, wing-shaped, with broad base and slightly concave pointed tip without a fleshy bulge; inner pseudoclasper joined to outer pseudoclasper anteriorly, thin, with single pointed tip, short, not extending over anterior part of outer pseudoclasper; moderately broad scale patch on cheek with 5-6 scale rows on upper cheek, small scale patch on operculum above opercular spine (4-5 scales in 2 rows); head massive; otolith moderately slender, length to height 1.9-2.0 (Ref. 57884). Description: Characterized by depth of body at anal fin origin 18.3-21.8 (mean = 19.7) % SL; short and curved penis (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Solitary inhabitant of coral reef crevices, cryptic (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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