Cypho purpurascens (De Vis, 1884)
Oblique-lined dottyback
Cypho purpurascens
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea to Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Lower lip either uninterrupted at symphysis or with weak interruption only. Caudal fin rounded; upper part with 6 (5-7) procurrent rays and 8 principal rays. Lateral line with anterodorsal series of 23 - 32 (usually 25 - 29) tubed scales extending from gill opening, and a peduncular series of 3 - 9 (usually 5 - 7) tubed scales. Dorsal and anal fins without distinct scaly sheaths (Ref. 37748). Description: Characterized by male having red color with fine blue scale margins forming oblique lines on body; female with similar markings, head and front of body with bluish grey color grading to pale orange yellow posteriorly; gill cover usually with orange bar; depth of body 26.8-30.1 % of SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A cryptic species found in or near holes of coral and rock reefs, occurring on tide pools, lagoonal reefs, and reef slopes (Ref. 9710, 37748). Solitary or in pairs (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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