Manonichthys jamali Allen & Erdmann, 2007
Jamal's dottyback
Manonichthys jamali
photo by Allen, M

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 9 - 16 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-29; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-16. This species is distinct from its congeners in having the following features: pectoral fins hyaline; at least some ctenoid cheek and opercular scales; caudal-fin is rounded to truncate in young fish to strongly emarginate or lunate in adults; predorsal scales 17-22, extending anteriorly to point ranging from slightly posterior to slightly anterior to PIO pores; presence of a prominent dark bar across anterior caudal peduncle and adjacent posterior body extending onto basal 1/2 of posterior dorsal and anal fin rays (Ref. 74994). Description: Characterized by tan or light brown color; each body scale with yellow spot forming longitudinal rows on side; pelvic fins yellow; anterior lateral-line scales 23-29; depth of body 30.0-35.4 % of SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits frequently dense thickets of staghorn Acropora corals, encrusting layers of Galaxea corals, or rocky debris at depths of about 9-16 m. Either encountered solitarily or in loose groups of 2-4 individuals that range over an area of about 1.5-2 m. Observed to occasionally enter sponges of the genus Callyspongia. Its color pattern and behavior indicate a mimetic relationship with the common damselfish Chromis retrofasciata with which it co-occurs (Ref. 74994).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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