The BioFiles - Bill Hubick

Chocolate-dip Chromis (Pycnochromis hanui)

Source: Wikipedia

Pycnochromis hanui
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Blenniiformes
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Pycnochromis
Species:
P. hanui
Binomial name
Pycnochromis hanui
(Randall & Swerdloff, 1973)
Synonyms[2]

Chromis hanui

Pycnochromis hanui, commonly known as chocolate-dip chromis, is a species of damselfish endemic to Hawaii.[3]

Description and biology

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Pycnochromis hanui was formerly known as Chromis hanui.[2] They reach a max length of 6.0 cm,[4] and have an oval shaped body with a pointed nose and forked tail.[2] They have a total of 12 dorsal spines, 13 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13-14 anal soft rays.[4] The common name matches its appearance. The front half of its body looks as if it has been dipped in chocolate.[2] They are brown with a black spot on the pectoral fin base.[4] The caudal fin, caudal peduncle and adjacent part of the dorsal and anal fins are white.[4] Nuptial males have a yellowish-brown zone in the center and bright eyes.[2] Males guard and remove waste from the eggs, keeping them healthy.[4] Pycnochromis hanui are planktivore.[5]

Distribution and habitat

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Pycnochromis hanui is endemic to Hawaii.[2] Adult Chocolate-dip Chromis live in inshore and offshore reefs.[4] They are found in mass groups above corals. They live in scuba depths of 6-50 meters, and live in 28°N - 17°N temperatures.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Allen, G.R. (2022). "Pycnochromis hanui". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T188611A1902011. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T188611A1902011.en. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Stender, Keoki, and Yuko Stender. “Pycnochromis Hanui.” Chocolate-Dip Chromis, Pycnochromis Hanui, 2021, www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/damselfishes/chromis-hanui.htm.
  3. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Pycnochromis hanui (Randall & Swerdloff, 1973)". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Randall, John E (August 1, 2021). "Pycnochromis hanui (Randall & Swerdloff, 1973) Chocolate-dip Chromis". Pycnochromis hanui (Randall & Swerdloff, 1973) Chocolate-dip Chromis. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  5. ^ Hawaii coral reef network (January 25, 2005). "Fishes of Hawaii". Hawaii Coral Reef Network. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
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