Deep Blackfin Butterflyfish

This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: less number of pored scales in the lateral line (27 vs. 37-46); longer snout (35.9% in HL vs. 28.2-35.5%); shorter first dorsal ray (12% in SL vs. 16.6-26.6%); longer caudal peduncle (8.5% in SL vs. 4.2-8.2%); shorter caudal fin (15.9% in SL vs. 19.8-25.9%); with a dark brown pelvic-fin spine (vs. white) (Ref. 116443).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 17

Areas of collection vary from sheltered rocky outcroppings which are heavily covered by fine sediment to areas exposed to strong currents. Ambient seawater temperature varied between 19 and 21°C during dives conducted in April-May over several years. Azooxanthellate gorgonians, black corals, and solitary stony corals were the most abundant benthic invertebrates in this area (Ref. 116443).