---
title: Red Sea Spiny Basslet (Acanthoplesiops cappuccino)
scientific_name: Acanthoplesiops cappuccino
common_name: Red Sea Spiny Basslet
taxon: Longfins
conservation_status: DD - Data Deficient
published: 2024-11-07T22:25:41.367Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Red Sea Spiny Basslet, Acanthoplesiops cappuccino, Longfins, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/longfins/red-sea-spiny-basslet
---

# Red Sea Spiny Basslet (*Acanthoplesiops cappuccino*)

**Taxon:** Longfins (*Plesiopidae*)  
**Conservation Status:** DD - Data Deficient  


The Red Sea Spiny Basslet (Acanthoplesiops cappuccino) is a tropical, marine species associated with reef environments, found at depths ranging from 17 to 30 meters. The maximum length observed for this species is between 1.6 and 2 centimeters. 

This species has been observed inhabiting a small reef platform approximately 3 by 1 meters in size, characterized by small corals situated on sand, located on a steep coral reef slope. The coral slope, featuring mixed patches of corals and caves, extends to a depth of 30 meters, transitioning into a sandy slope beyond this point.

The distinguishing morphological characteristics of Acanthoplesiops cappuccino include 18 dorsal spines and 4 dorsal soft rays, 7 anal spines and 4 anal soft rays, and 27 vertebrae. Additional features include a fin structure with 18 pectoral-fin rays, and a caudal fin not connected to the last rays of the dorsal and anal fins by membrane. Notably, the caudal peduncle displays a pale yellowish-brown bar that extends broadly onto the caudal fin.

This species is endemic to the Western Indian Ocean, specifically within the Red Sea region of Saudi Arabia.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/longfins/red-sea-spiny-basslet)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*