Diancistrus karinae Schwarzhans, Møller & Nielsen, 2005
Karin's coralbrotula
Karin's coralbrotula
photo by W. Schwarzhans et al.

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 8.2 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 16 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: from the Philippines to the northern tip of Sulawesi (Indonesia) in the west and the oceanic islands of Palau, Pohnpei (Micronesia) and Hermit (PNG) islands in the east.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 78-83; Anal soft rays: 61-68; Vertebrae: 43-46. This species is characterized by the following: Vertebrae 11-12+32-35=43-46, dorsal fin rays 78-83, anal fin rays 61-68; very large eyes (2.7-3.8% SL), D/V 7; outer pseudoclasper large, about 1 1/2 length of inner pseudoclasper, wing-shaped, flat and its posterior part strongly bent backward; inner pseudoclasper joined to outer pseudoclasper anteriorly, long, single-pointed tip strongly extending over anterior part of inner pseudoclasper; scale patch on cheek with 5-6 scale rows on upper cheek, large scale patch on operculum continuous above and below opercular spine; head high, usually high-necked; otolith length to height ratio 2.0-2.1 (Ref. 57884). Description: Characterized by depth of body at anal fin origin 16.4-20.4 (mean= 18.7) % SL; long and curved penis (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Solitary inhabitant of coral reef crevices to at least 16 m depth, cryptic (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Palawan and the Visayan Islands.


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