Natalichthys leptus Winterbottom, 1980
Pencil snakelet
photo by SFSA

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Congrogadinae
Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from 2 specimens apparently collected off Umhlangakulu River, Natal, South Africa (30°04.16'S, 30°21.78'E ?).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 48-48; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 39-39. Gill membranes united, free from isthmus. Lateral line short. Scaled cheeks.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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