Neoclinus lacunicola

Species infomation

Distinctive features:

1. 7 orbital cirri in 2 rows, outer row with 4 and the inner with 3.
2. Slanted light-brown/black bands along body.
3. Reddish head.
4. White stripe behind eye, can be faint.
5. Black blotch or ocellus on front dorsal fin.

Physical description:

Branched nasal cirri. 7 orbital cirri over each eye, assembled in 2 rows of 4 in the outer and 3 in the inner. 2 cirri on back of neck.

Colouration:

Head colour varies but always with red hues, ranges from red to pink to a ruddy brown. Lower head with white spots. White stripe behind eye but can be faint/small. Head and front of body often white white speckles. Body a pale off-white. Slanted thick bands along body, range from light brown to black. Large black blotch on caudal base. Front of dorsal fin white with small black blotch or ocellus. Dorsal, anal and caudal spines and rays are a reddish-orange.

Size:

Reaches 6.0 cm.

Habitat:

Found on rocky reefs.