| Family: |
Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses) |
| Max. size: |
4.81 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 140 - 152 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: New Caledonia and the Coral Sea (Australia). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is characterized by the following: D X,17: A III, 8; pectoral-fin rays 12-14; C: 15' total vertebrae 26 (10 + 16); supraneurals 3; GR: 31 to 36 (7 to 10 + 23 to 26); tubed lateral line scales 25-33 (mean 30); CP: 15 or 16 (Ref. 138291). Colouration: males with a stunning lavender-pink body, with four diagonal yellow bands that break into irregular spots, ending in a bright yellow mark on the lower lobe of the caudal fin; dorsal and anal fins are accented with bold yellow, while filamentous caudal-fin lobes add a touch of elegance; females with lavender-pink bodies transitioning to yellow at the rear, a yellow bar across the anal-fin spines, and a yellowish-brown blotch on the dorsal fin; the vivid colors also play a role in mate selection and species recognition (Ref. 138697). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits the twilight zone, on rocky habitats with coralline sediments, silt layers, and crevices for shelter. In the wild, this species forms harems with one dominant male and several females. Its natural diet consists of planktonic organisms, which can be mimicked in aquariums with high-quality frozen or live foods (frozen GAMMA mysis shrimp, GAMMA Brine Shrimp Plus Omega-3, and GAMMA Red Plankton). Experienced marine aquarists could replicate its deepwater habitat including dim lighting initially, moderate water flow, with a well-structured tank with plenty of caves and crevices for shelter. It is essential to maintain stable water parameters, such as a temperature range of 70-74°F (21-23°C) and a salinity of 33 ppt (specific gravity of 1.025) (Ref. 138697). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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