| Family: |
Carapidae (Pearlfishes), subfamily: Carapinae |
| Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: South Africa to Hawaii. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 44-47; Anal soft rays: 44-51. Eel-like, shallow to moderate body depth; adults small, less than 100 mm, trunk compressed; 1 to several large symphyseal fangs on premaxilla and dentary; anterior swim bladder modified into 'rockerbone'; predorsal bone present; pectoral fin rays supported by numerous small distal radials (Ref. 34024). Pectoral fins short; eyes small; lateralis papillae not visible on head or anterior lateral line (Ref. 34024).
Description: Characterized by translucent pinkish color; short pectoral fin, 3.0-6.0 in head length; body depth about 6.0-8.0 in TL; head length about 6.0-7.0 in TL; front of jaws of adult with pair of prominent canine teeth separated by gap from narrow band of small teeth posteriorly; numerous conical teeth in vomer and palatines (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
A benthic species (Ref. 58302, 75154) found in coral reefs (Ref. 75154). Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Commensal inquiline in the giant oyster Pycnodonta hyotis (Ref. 4104). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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