Lapitaichthys frickei Schwarzhans & Møller, 2007
photo by W. Schwarzhans & P. R. Møller

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  4.9 cm SL (male/unsexed); 5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 89-99; Anal soft rays: 62-74; Vertebrae: 43-45. This species is distinct and has the following set of characters: anterior nostril placed moderately low on snout, 1/3.5 the distance from upper lip to aggregate distance to anterior margin of eye; copulatory organ of male with a pair of small (outer) pseudoclaspers with single supporter and small hook at anterior rim; small, size not exceeding 5.0 cm SL; 12-13 precaudal vertebrae, 43-45 total vertebrae; D 92-99, V in D 2.4-2.6; branchiostegal rays 6-7; scale patch on cheek only, none on operculum; presence of upper preopercular pore; moderately elongated otolith, its length to height 2.0-2.1, slightly inclined (5°) sulcus, separated colliculi, ostium length to cauda length 2.5-2.8; maxilla expanded posterio-ventrally (Ref. 76869).
Biology:  Restricted to lagoonal and back reef environments; most specimens were found in crevices of coralline rock of fringing lagoonal reefs associated with live corals (Ref. 76869).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 


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