Hoplolatilus andamensis
Hoplolatilus andamensis Allen & Erdmann, 2019
Andaman tilefish

Family:  Malacanthidae (Tilefishes)
Max. size:  11.04 cm SL (male/unsexed); 11.06 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 35 - 40 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Andaman Islands and possibly Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 17-19; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by the following: D X-Xl,21-23; A II,17-19; pectoral rays 15-16; total gill rakers on first branchial arch 16-19; pored lateral-line scales 96-106; scales in lateral series above lateral line 119-135; preopercular serrae 32-40; greatest body depth 4.8-5.5 in SL; length of last dorsal spine 2.3-2.8 in HL; longest soft dorsal ray 1.3-1.6 in HL. Colouration: when alive, mainly yellow, except white on thorax and lower head; prominent ocellus above operculum which is larger than pupil, consisting of a black spot completely surrounded by narrow, pale blue margin, and linked to upper rim of eye by pale blue stripe; fins are translucent, except the central part of caudal yellow, widest at base and tapering to middle of posterior margin (Ref. 120713).
Biology:  Occurs on silty sand bottoms in an area of periodic strong currents at 35-40 m depth (Ref. 120713).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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