Red Sea Spiny Basslet

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.