Pseudochromis socotraensis Gill & Zajonz, 2011
Socotra Dottyback

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  3.45 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 29 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Socotra Archipelago, Abd al-Kuri Island (Ref. 88695).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-31; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-20. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D III,29-31; A III,18-20; 41-47 scales in lateral series; anterior lateral-line scales 29-36; two bright blue to turquoise stripes on head with conspicuous black pigmentation around upper laterosensory pores; colour of body and fins generally dark grey to black (Ref. 88695).
Biology:  This species is collected mainly from coral dominated communities including those by Millepora, Acropora and Porites; also in a mixed soft and hard coral community on large rock boulders. Other visiual records were done in areas dominated by Galaxea, and encrusting and massive Agariciidae, Pectiniidae and Musside, and at the few fringing reef sites. The species was also sighted on relict reef or spur and groove with mixed macroalgae and hard coral communities, and on mixed macroalgae and/or sparse hard coral communities on rock platform (Ref. 88695).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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