Xenisthmus polyzonatus (Klunzinger, 1871)
Bullseye wriggler
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Xenisthmidae (Collared wrigglers)
Max. size:  3.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 24 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: from the Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-11; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following character: D2 usually I,11 (rarely I,12); A I,10-11; tongue rounded to truncate; posterior nostril with well-developed anterior flap (Ref. 115539).

Description: Characterized by golden brown color; 10-12 narrow pale greyish bars on side; dark brown bar under eye; head with irregular white bars; middle of caudal fin base with small, pale-edged black spot; caudal and dorsal fins with scattered brown spots; branched caudal rays 13; about 20 predorsal scales, extending to above posterior margin of preopercle; scaled cheek and opercle; depth of body 5.3-6.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Biology:  A benthic, inshore species, on the sandy fringe of coral reefs (Ref. 75154). Also found in rubble in lagoons and sheltered waters in 9-24 m (Ref 90102) and crevices close to the base of fringing reefs in the depth range of 1.5-16 m (Ref. 115539).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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