Assiculus

Drawing from the original description, the top view shows a dried-up copy.

Assiculus punctatus is a species of fish from the family of dwarf cichlids ( Pseudochromidae ) that is found on the coast of northwestern and northern Australia from Shark Bay to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Features

Assiculus punctatus is 8 cm long and has a moderately high-backed body. At the highest point between the beginning of the dorsal fin and the pelvic fins, the body height is 29 to 34 % of standard length. The fish are dark gray to gray or brown to olive color; the head underside and belly are sometimes reddish brown or bright yellow. On the head and trunk show bright blue dots; on the back, after-, tail and ventral fins glowing blue dots or stripes. The pectoral fins are transparent.

• Fins formula: Dorsal III/22-24, Anal III/12-14, pectoral 15-18, Ventral I / 5, caudal 4-5/9/8/4-5.

Most soft rays in dorsal and anal fin unbranched but segmented. The caudal fin is rounded. Between occiput and dorsal fin are two Supraneuralia ( Prädorsalknochen ), sometimes even a third rudimentary trained. The lateral line is interrupted. The front section starts behind the gill cover, and extends over 33 to 43 (usually 36 to 40 ) scales with pores. The portion lying on the caudal peduncle comprises 6-9 (rarely 5 or 10) pored scales. Around the caudal peduncle one counts 17 to 21 scales, usually 19 or 20 The number of vertebrae is 28 or 29 (11 17 (18 ) ). The lower lip is not interrupted at the symphysis. The zigzag arranged palate teeth are relatively large. On the first branchial arch sit 13 to 17 gill rakers, 4-6 on the upper branch and 9 to 11 on the lower.

Way of life

Assiculus punctatus lives near the coast, very hidden in relatively muddy waters with seagrass vegetation and reefs of eroded limestone and comes down to water depths of 30 meters in front.