Luzonichthys waitei (Fowler, 1931)
Waite's splitfin
Luzonichthys waitei
photo by Winterbottom, R.

 Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets), subfamily: Anthiinae
 Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 1 - 55 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Aldabra and Astove of Seychelles to the Loyalty Islands, Fiji and Japan. Report from southern Marshall Islands appears to be based on the paratype of Luzonichthys robustus Fourmanoir, which has been reidentified as Luzonichthys earlei (Ref. 8524).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Looks blue with dark yellow over the back when seen in natural light. Unlike most other basslets, the dorsal fins are in two parts (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by having narrow magenta margin on dorsal and ventral edge of caudal fin; greatest depth of body 3.3-3.8 in SL; lunate caudal fin; relatively long paired fins, pectorals 3.2-3.5 and pelvics 3.7-4.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Usually in groups on outer reef slopes (Ref. 27115). Most commonly occurs in shallow water and most likely seen by divers (Ref. 37816). Forms dense aggregations that feed on zooplankton (Ref 90102).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Type locality (Ref. 48635). Museum: BPBM 22041. Mindoro, Puerto Galera, USNM 154663. Batangas, Port Maricaban, USNM 89997 (lectotype of M. waitei)); USNM 323542 (Paralectotypes). Batangas, Caban Is., BPBM 26522. Apo Is. (W of Mindoro), BPBM 26443. Reported from Tubbataha Reefs (Ref. 53416). Also Ref. 90102.

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 20.02.93
 Modified by: Kesner-Reyes, Kathleen - 22.06.16
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 07.02.95

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