Pseudochromis pylei Randall & McCosker, 1989
Pyle's dottyback
Pseudochromis pylei
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 40 - 87 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Palau, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 1-15. Description: Characterized by grey color on upper half of body with darker grey spot on each scale grading to white on lower half; bright yellow caudal fin and peduncle; anterior lateral line scales 26-30; predorsal scales 19-25; depth of body 25.4-30.1 % of SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits steep drop-offs. It has been collected at Palau at depth of 85 m (Ref. 37816). Also found among coral rock and rubble with intermixed sand areas (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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