Onuxodon parvibrachium (Fowler, 1927)
Oyster pearlfish
Onuxodon parvibrachium
photo by SFSA

 Family:  Carapidae (Pearlfishes), subfamily: Carapinae
 Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  demersal; depth range 1 - 30 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: South Africa to Hawaii.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 44-47; Anal soft rays: 44-51. Eel-like, shallow to moderate body depth; adults small, less than 100 mm, trunk compressed; 1 to several large symphyseal fangs on premaxilla and dentary; anterior swim bladder modified into 'rockerbone'; predorsal bone present; pectoral fin rays supported by numerous small distal radials (Ref. 34024). Pectoral fins short; eyes small; lateralis papillae not visible on head or anterior lateral line (Ref. 34024). Description: Characterized by translucent pinkish color; short pectoral fin, 3.0-6.0 in head length; body depth about 6.0-8.0 in TL; head length about 6.0-7.0 in TL; front of jaws of adult with pair of prominent canine teeth separated by gap from narrow band of small teeth posteriorly; numerous conical teeth in vomer and palatines (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  A benthic species (Ref. 58302, 75154) found in coral reefs (Ref. 75154). Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Commensal inquiline in the giant oyster Pycnodonta hyotis (Ref. 4104).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Samples from Puerto Galera, Mindoro, were taken from the mantle cavity of the rock oyster Pycnodonta hyotis (Ref. 6395).

 Entered by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 01.03.96
 Modified by: OrtaƱez, Auda Kareen - 09.09.08
 Checked by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 03.10.00

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