Microichthys coccoi

photo by Costa, F.

Family:	Epigonidae (Deepwater cardinalfishes)
Max. size:	3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	demersal; marine; depth range 145 - 549 m
Distribution:	Eastern Atlantic: known only from the Strait of Messina (Sicily) in the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:	Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Upper profile of body suddenly bent before first dorsal fin. Head large, opercle with a spine. Lower jaw prominent. Scales about as long as high. Pelvic fins distally dark. Purplish-blue in color.
Biology:	This is a non-territorial species.
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 June 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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