Haliophis aethiopus Winterbottom, 1985
Bali eelblenny
Haliophis aethiopus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Congrogadinae
Max. size:  5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: presently known only from Bali ranging eastward to Alor Group, Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 49-50; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 33-39. Second dorsal spine buried in the flesh and visible only in X-rays, cleared or stained material. Shoulder with a dark ocellated spot. Gill membranes fused with isthmus. Preopercular pores 6; a median posterior interorbital pore. Description: Characterized by uniform brown color or with faint barring on body; absence of pelvic fins; small cycloid scales covering body; depth of body at origin of anal-fin 54-58% of HL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Known from 2 specimens collected in a shallow lagoon of a reef flat, with rock and rubble substrate with algae. Cryptic inhabitant of coral reef crevices in 2-20 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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