Hoplolatilus purpureus Burgess, 1978
Purple sand tilefish
Hoplolatilus purpureus
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Malacanthidae (Tilefishes)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 85 m
Distribution:  Indo West Pacific: Philippines south to Indonesia east to Solomon Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-19; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 15-16; Vertebrae: 24-24. Preopercular serrae 37-48 (Ref. 9933). Greatest depth of body 5.2-5.5 in SL; overall magenta body color; broad, red upper and lower margins on tail (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs on sand and rubble patches of steep seaward slopes. Usually in pairs (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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