| Family: |
Malacanthidae (Tilefishes) |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 55 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Philippines south to Indonesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 24-24. Capable of rapidly changing its coloration through a wide range of colors (Ref. 9898, 48635). Preopercular serrae 15-16 (Ref. 9933).
Description: Characterized by generally sky blue body color with pair of darker blue stripe on cheek; median fins pale yellow; some individuals with broad yellow area on back or base of dorsal fin with narrow yellow zone; greatest depth of body 5.1-5.6 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Probably found in areas with sand, silt, or rubble bottoms at the bases of reefs near 30 m depth (Ref. 9710). It can rapidly change its color (Ref. 9933). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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