Trachinocephalus atrisignis explained

Trachinocephalus atrisignis, commonly known as the black-tipped lizardfish, is a species of lizardfish in the family Synodontidae. This species was described in 2019 by A.M. Prokofiev.[1]

Description

Size

This species reaches a length of .

Distinctive features

This species has a bluish-grey body with a saturated black spot on the tip of the dorsal fin. The snout length is 62.5-66.7% of the eye diameter, and the lower jaw has a concave dorsal edge that does not protrude beyond the upper jaw. It has 12-13 rays in the pectoral fin, 50-52 scales in the lateral line, and 53-54 vertebrae.

Distribution

Endemic to the Western Indian Ocean, specifically near Socotra Island.

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range . They inhabit tropical waters and are often found near coral reefs.

Etymology

The genus name Trachinocephalus is derived from Greek, with "trachys" meaning rough and "kephale" meaning head. The species name atrisignis is derived from Latin, meaning "black tip", referring to the distinctive black spot on the dorsal fin tip.[2]

Diet

Feeds on small invertebrates and other marine organisms.

Reproduction

Information on their reproductive behavior is limited, but they are known to produce eggs.

Conservation status

IUCN Status: Data Deficient (DD).

CITES: Not listed.

Notes and References

  1. Prokofiev, A.M. . 2019. A new species of lizardfishes of genus Trachinocephalus from the Western Indian Ocean (Synodidae). Journal of Ichthyology. 59. 3. 414–417. 10.1134/S0032945219030159 .
  2. Web site: Order AULOPIFORMES (Lizardfishes) . 21 November 2024 . Christopher Scharpf . Kenneth J. Lazara . amp . The ETYFish Project Fish Name Etymology Database . Christopher Scharpf and Kenneth J. Lazara . 22 September 2018.