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Plectranthias inermis Randall, 1980 Chequered perchlet |
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photo by
Lougher, T. |
| Family: | Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses) | |||
| Max. size: | 4.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.19 cm SL (female) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 14 - 65 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: Fiji, Christmas Island, Mauritius, Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (Ref. 8944). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. The bright red colors show as dark grey to almost black in natural light available in deep water (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by whitish color with three rows of large , square red blotches; yellowish white first three dorsal spines, remainder of fins translucent or lightly spotted; 0-5 tiny poorly developed serrae at upper margin of preopercle of adults; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.2 in SL; dorsal fin nearly separated into spinous and soft portions; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs in deep coastal and inner reef drop-offs from 30 m downwards. Rarely observed by divers because of its depth preference (Ref. 48635). Collected with rotenone and quinaldine at depths of 14-65 m (Ref. 81822). Solitary at base of steep slopes among rubble or in crevices (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||