Suttonia suttoni Smith, 1953

Family:  Grammistidae (Soapfishes)
Max. size:  7.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 11 - 24 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Tanzania and Comoros.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-20; Vertebrae: 26-26. Adult body of Comoros specimens when fresh red, with indistinct dusky blotches more dorsally; head dusky red dorsally and on nape, a dark brown strip on side of snout and extending posteriorly from lower part of eye. Opercle with a distinct, horizontally elongate dark brown spot. No dermal flap or small tentacle dorsally on eye. One large pore in interorbital space on each side close to the edge of the orbit; a small median pore posteriorly in interorbital space. Tubular anterior nostril very long, on edge of snout at the base of the upper lip; when laid back reaching the posterior nostril; when bent forward, extending to front of upper lip. Scales without projecting ctenii on posterior edge. Longitudinal scale series 50-53.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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