| Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae |
| 5.15 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 25 - 100 m |
| Western Central Pacific: Japan to Australia and to Tonga. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-30; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 26-28. This species is most similar to N. helfrichi in both having the following set of characters and live colouration details: caudal fin truncate to weakly emarginate; dorsoposterior ctenoid scales with fewer than 10 ctenii; elevated part of first dorsal fin blue on anterior edge; median fins are pale yellowish green, caudal fin without any markings, the outermost edge of second dorsal and anal fin tipped with a yellow or orange spot, one in each interradial membrane space; body when alive lavender to lilac; pelvic fins black-tipped; dorsal edge of iris with a black mark at 1
o’clock position, sometimes continuing onto interorbital space as a short streak. This species is unlike N. helfrichi and all its congeners by the following characters: maxilla unmarked (bright yellow in life, pale tan in preservation); and when alive, the snout, lower jaw, preopercle, and postorbital region are bright yellow (Ref. 128599). |
| Often occurs in seaward sand channels and rubble pans adjacent to coral reefs (Ref. 128599). |
|
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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