Helfrich's Dartfish

Description: Characterized by lavender body; yellowish anterior head; top of head with violet stripe; median fins yellowish; anal fin with blue submarginal band; tips of pelvic fins, black; longitudinal scale series 140-160; elevated first dorsal fin, not extending beyond anterior one-third of second dorsal fin; posterior body scales with ctenii, usually less than 10; posterior most rays of dorsal and anal fins usually unbranched; depth of body 4.9-5.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social (Ref. 52884).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 31; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 26 - 28

Occurs in relatively deep water. Found over small patches of sand, rubble, or hard open bottoms of steep seaward reefs. Rarely found in less than 40 m and frequently occurs in pairs.

Occurs in relatively deep water. Found over small patches of sand, rubble, or hard open bottoms of steep seaward reefs. Rarely found in less than 40 m and frequently occurs in pairs. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Feeds on zooplanktons (Ref. 89972).

aquarium: commercial