Neoniphon pencei Copus, Pyle & Earle, 2015
Pence's squirrelfish

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Holocentrinae
Max. size:  24 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 90 - 115 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Cook Is. (Rarotonga); French Polynesia (Moorea).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,13; A IV,9; pectoral rays 14; lateral-line scales 48-52 (often 49); scales above lateral line to base of dorsal spines 5 and below lateral line to base of anal fin 6-7; oblique rows of scales on cheek 5; gill rakers 6-7+13 (usually 6 +13); slender body with depth 2.9-3.3 in SL, head length 2.6-2.9 in SL; orbit diameter 2.7-3.0 in HL; interorbital width 4.1-4.8 in body depth; upper jaw length 2.3-2.6 in head; lower jaw is strongly protruding; preopercular spine 2.0-2.9 of orbit diameter; first dorsal spine 3.3-4.1 in HL; the last dorsal spine is shortest and third anal spine is the longest, its length 1.1-1.3 in HL. Colour of body red with white stripes dorsally, the front edge of pelvic and anal fins white, base of dorsal fin white (Ref. 100034).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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