Headband Basslet

The Headband Basslet (Liopropoma mitratum) is a marine species primarily associated with reef environments. It inhabits depths ranging from 3 to 46 meters, with a more common presence between 15 and 46 meters. The species reaches a maximum length of 9 centimeters and is typically found in tropical waters.

Characterized by its reclusive nature, the Headband Basslet is a benthic species often residing in caves and crevices. The species exhibits a range of physical features, including 8 dorsal spines, 11 to 12 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 8 anal soft rays. Its coloration transitions from a reddish-brown to gray, becoming increasingly red towards the posterior. Liopropoma mitratum can be distinguished from Liopropoma pallidum by the presence of 14 pectoral rays, as opposed to the latter's 15-16, and 19-30 preopercular serrae compared to the 8-13 found in L. pallidum.

Geographically, the Headband Basslet is distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the 🌊 Red Sea extending to American 🇼🇸 Samoa and the Tuamotu (🇵🇫 French Polynesia) Archipelago, reaching south to 🇦🇺 Australia.