Pteropsaron longipinnis Allen & Erdmann, 2012
Midwater sand-diver
Pteropsaron longipinnis
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Hemerocoetidae (Indo-Pacific duckbills)
Max. size:  2.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 70 - 75 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-23; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 26-26; Vertebrae: 38-38. Description: Characterized by mainly bluish white body color with yellow markings on head and along back; pelvic fins of both sexes elongate; whitish dorsal fin of male; black dorsal fin of female; dorsal rays III+22-23; anal rays I,26; pectoral rays 17; lateral line scales 38; scale rows between dorsal and anal fins 12-13; first dorsal fin on head, behind level of pelvic fins, composed of three spines; extremely elongate pelvic fins in both sexes, 70-78% of SL in adult; cycloid scales on body, absent on head; vertebrae 38 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found at base of steep coral wall on relatively flat bottom covered with coarse white, coralline sand and exposed to moderate currents in 70-75 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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