Plectranthias purpuralepis Tang, Lai & Ho, 2020
Purple-scaled perchlet
Plectranthias purpuralepis
photo by Tang et al.

Family:  Anthiadidae (Fairy basslets or Streamer basses)
Max. size:  15.09 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 200 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Northern Taiwan,
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguised by the following characters: the pectoral and pelvic fins are mostly covered by small scales and scales on the whitish pink blotches turn purple when preserved; D X,16-17 with the 3rd dorsal-fin spine longest; pectoral-fin rays usually 14, all branched except for uppermost ray simple; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; pored lateral-line scales 32036; cheek with 6 diagonal rows of large scales; circumpeduncular scales 14; ca. 7 rows of large predorsal scales, 2 irregular rows of small scales extending to a line through posterior nostrils; maxilla and chin scaleless; posterior margin of preopercle serrated, the ventral margin with 2 antrorse spines; the greatest body depth 32.6-35.1% SL (Ref. 124021).
Biology:  This species apparently occurs on rocky reef bottom or slope in the mesophotic zone. Judging from other specimens (Parapercis spp., Plectranthias kamii, P. sheni, Helicolenus hilgendorfii) collected by anglers together with this species, these were taken at depths of 200 m or below (Ref. 124021).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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