Hoplolatilus chlupatyi Klausewitz, McCosker, Randall & Zetzsche, 1978
Chameleon sand tilefish
Hoplolatilus chlupatyi
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Malacanthidae (Tilefishes)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 55 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Philippines south to Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 24-24. Capable of rapidly changing its coloration through a wide range of colors (Ref. 9898, 48635). Preopercular serrae 15-16 (Ref. 9933). Description: Characterized by generally sky blue body color with pair of darker blue stripe on cheek; median fins pale yellow; some individuals with broad yellow area on back or base of dorsal fin with narrow yellow zone; greatest depth of body 5.1-5.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Probably found in areas with sand, silt, or rubble bottoms at the bases of reefs near 30 m depth (Ref. 9710). It can rapidly change its color (Ref. 9933).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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