|
Assiculus punctatus Richardson, 1846 |
|
|
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Assiculinae | |||
| Max. size: | 8 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range - 30 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: endemic to Western Australia and Queensland. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14; Vertebrae: 28-29. Head and body with small, bright blue spots. Uninterrupted lower lip at symphysis. Dorsal and anal rays mostly unbranched and segmented. Upper part of caudal fin with 4-5 procurrent rays and 9 principal rays; the lower part with 4-5 procurrent and 8 principal rays. Disjunct lateral line; anterodorsal series of 33-43 (usually 36-40) tubed scales extending from gill opening. Usually 19 or 20 circumpeduncular scales (Ref. 37748). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs inshore near reefs (Ref. 7300) and weed bed areas; usually in relatively silty waters at depths up to 30 m. A secretive species usually found at highly eroded limestone reef and rocks (Ref. 37748). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 July 2021 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||