| Family: |
Pinguipedidae (Sandperches) |
| Max. size: |
4.43 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 187 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific: Solomon Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-21; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 17-17; Vertebrae: 29-29. This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following characters: a unique
pigmentation pattern, with four large, rounded, orangish-olive saddles dorsally on its flank, each with a large distinct dorsomedial white spot completely enclosed within the saddles, resembling wheels; a much smaller fifth saddle on the caudal peduncle with only a small white dorsomedial spot; below the lateral midline there are 10 discrete broad, dark orangish-olive oval vertical bars; the soft dorsal fin with a single row of dark spots; the caudal fin is lined dorsally and ventrally with stripes of yellowish-olive pigmentation extending the length of the fin; caudal-fin base with two prominent dark brown to black spots (Ref. 129142). |
| Biology: |
This species was collected from a mostly barren rocky outcropping, surrounded by sandy substrate and rubble (Ref. 129142). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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