Foa leisi Fraser & Randall, 2011
photo by Williams, J.T.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  3.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 18 m
Distribution:  Central Pacific: known only from French Polynesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: usually 6-9 pored lateral-line scales and 14-16 gill rakers and rudiments; body scale margins are uniform to narrow dark edged; body mottled brown with 2-3 faint dark bars, the first below posterior part of first dorsal fin, the second below mid-second dorsal fin, and the third on anterior caudal peduncle; axil of pectoral fin without spot; 3 whitish basicaudal spots; no white spot behind posterior base of soft dorsal fin; second dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin pale with faint reddish banding (Ref. 93673).
Biology:  Occurs in lagoons, bays and near mouths of small tidal streams; one specimen was collected in a pen shell, Atrina pectinta. Specimens were collected with rotenone without identifying cryptic associations/locations during the day (Ref. 93673).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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