Microlepidotus lethopristis (Jordan & Fesler, 1889)
Scalyfin grunt
Microlepidotus lethopristis
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  23.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Silver-grey, each scale with a dark spot, forming dense streaks along back and sides; above lateral line, streaks extend upward and backward at an angle that decreases posteriorly, those on caudal peduncle horizontal, those below lateral line less distinct, straight and horizontal; fins dusky; opercular margin and axil nearly black (Ref. 28023). Row of scales behind each ray of the soft dorsal and anal fins (Ref. 28023).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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