Pseudochromis melanurus Gill, 2004
Blacktail dottyback
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  4.03 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Fiji and Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-22; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14; Vertebrae: 26-27. This species distinguished by the following characters: 21-22 (rarely 21) segmented dorsal-fin rays; 12-14 (rarely 12 or 14) segmented anal fin rays; weakly pungent to flexible anal spines, the second one varying from about as stout to less stout than the third; 29-35 (usually 30-33) scales in lateral series; 23-28 (usually 24-27) anterior lateral line scales; 10-12 scales below anterior lateral line; males with distinct coloration, head and body dark grey to black (dark brown to black when preserved), the lower part of head and body in front to anal-fin origin yellowish brown (when preserved pale brown to brown) (Ref. 81967).
Biology:  Known from tidal pools and rock and coral reefs, common in high surge areas (Ref. 81967).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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