Rabaulichthys altipinnis Allen, 1984
Sailfin anthias
Rabaulichthys altipinnis
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: New Britain off Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-7. Description: Characterized by male having red orange color on upper half of head and body to level of middle of dorsal fin, lavender on remainder of head and body, dorsal fin yellow orange grading to lavender posteriorly, pelvic fins dusky maroon; nuptial male repeatedly erects sail-like dorsal fin while extending dark pelvic fins; female with red orange color with whitish pelvic fins; upper and lower margins of caudal fin reddish; caudal-fin lobes with red tips; greatest depth of body 3.4-3.8 in SL; greatly elevated spinous dorsal fin of male; forked caudal fin with prolonged lobes in male; short pelvic fins (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found close to coral rubble on steep outer reef slopes; occurs in small groups (typically 3-8 individuals (Ref. 90856).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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