| Family: |
Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae |
| Max. size: |
10.3 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 22 - 42 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Central Pacific: Marquesas Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-28; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 23-25; Vertebrae: 26-26. Body pale bluish gray; a broad blackish bar from orbit across corner of mouth onto chin, including median barbel; iris yellow, upper and lower edges, deep blue; opercle with blue markings; an orange-red curved spot at pectoral fin base; pelvic fins yellowish white with pale blue distal margin. Prolonged 2nd spine of 1st dorsal fin in sub adults and adults. Median barbel followed by 3 - 4 very small ones. Species named melanopogon in reference to black barbel on chin |
| Biology: |
Occurs over sand or sand and rubble bottoms. Burrows occasionally. Feeds on zooplanktons (Ref. 89972). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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