Pycnochromis leucurus
| Pycnochromis leucurus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Division: | Teleostei |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Pycnochromis |
| Species: | P. leucurus |
| Binomial name | |
| Pycnochromis leucurus (Gilbert, 1905) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Pycnochromis leucurus, commonly known as whitetail chromis, is a species of damselfish belonging to the genus Pycnochromis.[2][3][4] Its scientific name combines the Greek terms leukos and oura, meaning "white" and "tail".[5] It was first described by American ichthyologist, Charles Henry Gilbert in 1905.[2] However, the species was initially classified as Chromis leucura, then was reclassified to Pycnochromis leucurus in 2021.[6] Later, genetic comparisons found that the Pycnochromis lineage is more closely related to the genus Dascyllus than Chromis.[6]
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.[5] 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 and habitat
[edit]Pycnochromis leucurus is found in the Indo-Pacific.[9] The species has been found between a range of approximately 20 and 122 m (66 and 400 ft) below the surface.[10] First studies of the species originated from specimens collected in the ʻAuʻau Channel between Maui and Lānaʻi at depths of approximately 62 to 119 m (203 to 390 ft).[8] Whitetail chromis are often observed gathering in small numbers.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ Allen, G.R. (2022). "Pycnochromis leucurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022 e.T188628A1904959. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T188628A1904959.en.
- 1 2 3 WoRMS. "Pycnochromis leucurus (Gilbert, 1905)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 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). "Systematics of Damselfishes". Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109 (1): 258–318. doi:10.1643/i2020105. ISSN 2766-1520.
- 1 2 "Whitetail Chromis, Pycnochromis leucurus". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- 1 2 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". Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 42: 15–90. doi:10.5281/ZENODO.14750902.
