PHALLOSTETHIDAE


Neostethus lankesteri, NSMT-P 66096, 2.2 cm SL

Neostethus lankesteri Regan, 1916

D II - 6 - 7; A 16 - 17; P1 11 - 12; LR 31 - 32. Body slender and compressed; in adult male, first ctenactinium very long with a triangular ventral projection, whereas second ctenactinium very short and not obvious externally; in female, distinct hook-like flap between anus and urogenital opening under throat. Head without translucent membranous dome on dorsal surface. Color: semi-transparent, rapidly turns to pale after death. Size: 3 cm. Distribution: Andaman Sea and Western Pacific. Remarks: found in quiet waters around aquatic plants in mangroves. Surface swimming, schooling fish. Oviparous.