Chlidichthys cacatuoides Gill & Randall

Gill, Anthony C. & Zajonz, Uwe, 2011, Pseudochromine and pseudoplesiopine dottyback fishes from the Socotra Archipelago, Indian Ocean, with descriptions of two new species of Pseudochromis Rüppell (Perciformes: Pseudochromidae), Zootaxa 3106, pp. 1-23 : 6

Chlidichthys cacatuoides Gill & Randall

Cockatoo Dottyback

Figure 3

Chlidichthys cacatuoides Gill & Randall, 1994: 13 , figs. 2 and 3 (type locality: Sawda Island, Al Hallaniyah Islands, Oman); Gill & Edwards, 2004: 11, figs. 1c, 2c and 5, pl. 1E (description, synonymy, distribution, colour photo).

This species was described by Gill and Randall (1994) on the basis of three specimens collected in 21 m on the edge of rocky bottom and adjacent rubble in the Hallaniyah Islands, southern Oman. Two specimens of this species were captured in the Socotra Archipelago, one in 15–20 m at Socotra Island, and the other in 27–29 m at Darsa Island. Considering these records, the species appears to have a preference for deeper habitats (15–30 m), e.g. at lower reef slopes and bases. The specimens agree well with the original description, and were used in a subsequent description of the species by Gill and Edwards (2004).

Material examined. SMF 29217, 1: 25.9 mm SL, Socotra Archipelago, Socotra Island, Ditimri, W of Rhiy di- Adho, 12o37'21"N 54o17'17"E, reef slope with rich coral diversity on rock (biotope S6.9.1), 15–20 m, U. Zajonz & M. Apel, 3 April 1999 (ST-148); SMF 29231, 1: 30.5 mm SL, Socotra Archipelago, NE coast of Darsa Island at anchorage, 12o07'03"N 53o18'18"E, small coral blocks on slightly sloping sand bottom, 27–29 m, U. Zajonz, 8 April 2000 (ST-723b).

Figures

FIGURE 3. Chlidichthys cacatuoides, SMF 29231, 30.5 mm SL, NE coast of Darsa Island, Socotra Archipelago. (Photo by U. Zajonz)