Pseudochromis melas Lubbock, 1977
Dark dottyback
Pseudochromis melas
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Kenya and Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-26; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-15
Biology:  Often in rocky crevices (Ref. 9137); coral reefs on reef slopes (Ref. 81967).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.