Trichonotus somaliensis Katayama, Motomura & Endo, 2012
Somalian sand diver
photo by Katayama, E.

Family:  Trichonotidae (Sanddivers)
Max. size:  8.32 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 37 - 78 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from Somalia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 44-47; Anal soft rays: 35-38; Vertebrae: 52-54. This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: D III-IV, 44-47; A 35-38; lateral-line scales 54-56; gill rakers 5-6 + 18-24; entire body with scales; both sexes have a longitudinal row of 12-14 blotches on body; elongated dorsal-fin spines absent, but with high dorsal fin overall; males with first dorsal-fin soft ray length 19-28% of SL; absence of free dorsal pterygiophores (Ref. 93824).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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