Pentapodus berryae Allen, Erdmann & Brooks, 2018
Deep reef whiptail

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  13.34 cm SL (male/unsexed); 12.14 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Paciic: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: caudal fin emarginate, no filamentous lobes; suborbital scaled; without enlarged caniniform teeth in lower jaw; second anal spine is shorter, but slightly more robust than third anal spine; eye diameter greater than the snout length, 2.9-3.1 in head length; the lower limb of preopercle with three rows of scales; lateral-line scales 45-49; pectoral-fin rays 17; pelvic fins relatively short and not reaching level of anus. Colouration: overall blue in life with broad yellow stripe on head and anterior two-thirds of body (Ref. 123129).
Biology:  This species is seldom collected and occurs relatively deep (below 60 m) outer reef habitat. It was invariably observed at the base of 60-70 m reef drop-offs, swimming in small schools of 2-10 individuals and 1-2 m above the steeply-sloping sand, rubble and sea-fan substrate (Ref. 123129)
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 14 July 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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