Dipulus norfolkanus Machida, 1993
photo by FAO

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  7.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Norfolk Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 86-104; Anal soft rays: 56-65; Vertebrae: 45-49. The species is characterized by an elongate body; vertebrae 13-16 + 31-35 = 45-49, dorsal fin rays 86-104, anal fin rays 56-65, D/A 36-42, V/A 17-19; no scales; no supraorbital pore behind eye; lower preopercular pores 3, non-tubular; posterior infraorbital pores 2; spine on maxilla positioned behind rear tip of eye; exposed opercular spine straight; lower lip with skin folds; single pair of pseudoclaspers large, curved, broad club-shaped; penis about half the length of pseudoclaspers, with hook at tip; otoliths pointed anteriorly and rounded posteriorly, postdorsal angle sharp, pronounced (Ref. 57886).
Biology:  Uncommon secretive species found in shallow waters (Ref. 34024).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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