Adults inhabit sand and rubble bottoms of steep outer slopes. Numerous individuals in loose aggregations observed in gullies that dissected the steep slope. Invariably sighted to stay close to the bottom, quickly retreating into holes among the rubble when approached closely, The largest individual that was observed was estimated to be about 35 cm SL (Ref. 53986). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Phoenix Islands, Central Pacific.

Eastern Central Pacific: Phoenix Islands (Kiribati).

Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 13

2.8 cm SL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 53986))

Diagnosis: Whitish overall without distinct marks. D XIV,12; A II,13; P 15-16. Gill rakers on first branchial arch 5 or 6 + 19 or 20, total rakers 19 or 20. Tubed lateral line scales 15 or 16 (Ref. 53986).

reef-associated; marine; depth range 40 - 55 m (Ref. 53986)

Depth range based on 1 specimen in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 43.5 - 43.5
  Temperature range (°C): 28.986 - 28.986
  Nitrate (umol/L): 1.536 - 1.536
  Salinity (PPS): 35.455 - 35.455
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.528 - 4.528
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.519 - 0.519
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.450 - 1.450
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Not Evaluated