Emblemariopsis lancea

Species infomation

Distinctive features:

1. Orbital cirri present.
2. Females with X cranial pattern
3. Males with ventrally white-bordered red banner on front dorsal fin.

Physical description:

Simple nasal and orbital cirri.
Males: front dorsal fin slightly elevated.
Females: first 2 dorsal spines elevated, ~2x height of following.

Colouration:

Females and immature males: largely transparent, red vertebral column with faint white dashes. Upper heaad green with red X-shaped cranial pattern.
Females: rear cheek red. Red spots on lips. Small white spots on head. First few spines with white membrane.
Immature males: lower head red with diagonal white stripes. small white spots on head and upper body. Front of dorsal fin white with rusty wavy lines and a pale red banner with a lower white margin.
Breeding males: black head and front of body. White spots and stripes on head may still be visible. Front of dorsal fin black with orange or red banner clearly bordered by white below.

Size:

Reaches 2.4 cm.

Habitat:

Found on massive corals and sponges in reefs. Breeding males found in holes.