Plectranthias inermis Randall, 1980
Chequered perchlet
photo by Lougher, T.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  4.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.19 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 14 - 65 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Fiji, Christmas Island, Mauritius, Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (Ref. 8944).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. The bright red colors show as dark grey to almost black in natural light available in deep water (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by whitish color with three rows of large , square red blotches; yellowish white first three dorsal spines, remainder of fins translucent or lightly spotted; 0-5 tiny poorly developed serrae at upper margin of preopercle of adults; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.2 in SL; dorsal fin nearly separated into spinous and soft portions; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in deep coastal and inner reef drop-offs from 30 m downwards. Rarely observed by divers because of its depth preference (Ref. 48635). Collected with rotenone and quinaldine at depths of 14-65 m (Ref. 81822). Solitary at base of steep slopes among rubble or in crevices (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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