Pseudogramma polyacantha (Bleeker, 1856)
Honeycomb podge
Pseudogramma polyacantha
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Grammistidae (Soapfishes)
Max. size:  8.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 65 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Mauritius and the Cargados Carajos Shoals and Sri Lanka to French Polynesia (Moorea and Scilly Atoll); north to Japan; south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-22; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-18; Vertebrae: 25-27. Brownish with dusky reticulations (Ref. 6635). No dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye. Two large pores in interorbital space, one on each side close to the edge of the orbit. Tubular anterior nostril near the edge of the snout at the base of the upper lip, the tube is not long; when laid back reaching almost half way to posterior nostril. Second lateral line not fully developed. Longitudinal scale series 46-50(Ref. 27020).
Biology:  Secretive (Ref. 48635); lives among corals of shallow reef flats and lagoons (Ref. 1602). Also found under dead coral pieces but quickly sneaks away when looking underneath (Ref. 48635). Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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