Manonichthys winterbottomi Gill, 2004
False midnight dottyback
photo by Gill, A.C.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 35 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-16; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinct in possessing the following characters: pectoral fins at least partly black; some upper opercular scales are ctenoid; 13-17 horizontal scale rows above the anal-fin origin; 16 circumpeduncular scales (Ref. 74994, 81967). Description: Characterized by dark grey or blackish color of head and body with yellowish central spot; anterior lateral line scales 24-30; depth of body 30.8-33.0 % of SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Collected around corals and Millepora and usually enters the cavities of 'blue tubular sponges' (Ref. 81967). Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 March 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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