Pycnochromis leucurus
| Pycnochromis leucurus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Pycnochromis |
| Species: | P. leucurus |
| Binomial name | |
| Pycnochromis leucurus (Gilbert, 1905) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Chromis leucurus | |
Pycnochromis leucurus, commonly known as whitetail chromis, is a species of damselfish belonging to the genus Pycnochromis.[1][2][3] Its scientific name combines the Greek terms leukos and oura, meaning "white" and "tail".[4] It was first described by American ichthyologist, Charles Henry Gilbert in 1905.[1] However, the species was initially classified as Chromis leucura, then was reclassified to Pycnochromis leucurus in 2021.[5] Later studies shown genetic comparisons found that the Pycnochromis lineage is closely related to the genus Dascyllus than Chromis.[5]
Description
[edit]This species are small fish with a deep, navy blue body, yellow lower fins, a pale thread-shaped tail, and a dark marking outlined in yellow near each pectoral fin.[6] Young whitetail chromis' are a blue-gray color and can grow up to 2.5 inches in length.[7] As they mature, its dorsal fin consists of 12 stiff spines and 14 flexible rays, while its anal fin contains 2 spines and between 13 and 15 rays.[8]
Distribution
[edit]Pycnochromis leucurus is found in the Indo-Pacific.[9] The species have been found between a range of approximately 20 and 122 meters below the surface.[10] Though, first studies of the species originated from specimens collected in the ʻAuʻau channel between Maui and Lānaʻi at depths of approximately 62-119 meters.[8]
Whitetail chromis are often observed gathering in small numbers.[7] Some sightings of a group of whitetail chromis were reported at depths below 25 meters along the Kona coast of the Hawaiʻi island.[8]
The whitetail chromis does not presently face a high risk of extinction.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 WoRMS. "Chromis leucura Gilbert, 1905". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ↑ Randall, J.E. (2007). Reef and shore fishes of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program. pp. 1–546. ISBN 978-1-929054-03-9.
- ↑ Allen, G.R. (1991). Damselfishes of the world. Melle, Germany: Mergus. p. 271. ISBN 3-88244-008-2.
- ↑ "Pycnochromis leucurus". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-08-07.
- 1 2 Tang, Kevin L.; Stiassny, Melanie L. J.; Mayden, Richard L.; DeSalle, Robert (2021-05). "Systematics of Damselfishes". Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109 (1): 258–318. doi:10.1643/i2020105. ISSN 2766-1520.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ "Pycnochromis leucurus". fishesofaustralia.net.au. Archived from the original on 2026-07-29. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- 1 2 "Whitetail Chromis, Pycnochromis leucurus". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- 1 2 3 Randall, John E.; Swerdloff, Stanley N. (1973). "A Review of the Damselfish Genus Chromis from the Hawaiian Islands, with Descriptions of Three New Species". Pacific Science. 27 (4): 327–349.
- ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Pycnochromis leucurus". FishBase. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ↑ Myers, Robert F.; Burdick, David; Mundy, Bruce; Lindfield, Steven John; Tibbatts, Brent; Donaldson, Terry (2025-02-12), New and recent records of fishes from the Mariana Islands, western Pacific Ocean, Ocean Science Foundation, doi:10.5281/ZENODO.14750902, retrieved 2026-08-07
- ↑ Gerry Allen (Conservation International, Virginia, US) (2021-08-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pycnochromis leucurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-05.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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