Pseudogramma axelrodi Allen & Robertson, 1995
Pseudogramma axelrodi
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Grammistidae (Soapfishes)
Max. size:  6.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 100 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Clipperton Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-22; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-18; Vertebrae: 26-26. Live specimens brown, including fins; body covered with numerous large tan blotches. Upper part of operculum with a prominent eye-sized ocellated dark brown spot; two dark brown lines radiating backward from lower half of eye across the cheek, and a vertical white bar below the eye. Lateral line scales + 4-23 when counting pored as well as the tubed scales. Longitudinal scale series 49-51. A short, broad-based, triangular, dermal flap dorsally on eye. A large pore in interorbital space on each side close to the edge of the orbit; a small median pore posterior in interorbital space. Tubular anterior nostril when laid back reach slightly more than half distance to posterior nostril.
Biology:  A cryptic species found in crevices and caves on the outer reef slope at 15-30 m; collected with rotenone (Ref. 81033). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 03 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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