Pyronotanthias smithvanizi (Randall & Lubbock, 1981)
Princess anthias
Pyronotanthias smithvanizi
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  9.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 110 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Cocos-Keeling Islands, north to Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef; Palau and southern Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Appears more blue underwater and recognized by the yellow scribbles along the body (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by male having violet color with orange upper head, body covered with orange spots, base of dorsal fin with orange stripe, magenta stripe at snout and upper caudal fin lobe, lower lobe with red margin; female similar except red caudal fin lobes; greatest depth of body 3.1-3.3 in SL; presence of fleshy protuberance at front of upper lip in male; prolonged third dorsal spine on male; lunate caudal fin with prolonged lobes in male (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Large aggregations occur on steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs (Ref. 4538, 48635). Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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