Ecsenius pulcher (Murray, 1887)

Abstract

Ecsenius pulcher is an almost exclusively benthic species that inhabits tropical, marine waters. E. pulcher is found on rocky shores where it hides in crevices. Maximum standard length is 4.4 cm male/unsexed. Maximum length is 7 cm in Persian Gulf (Iran, Kish Island). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow coastal waters. E. pulcher can have different color patterns. Dark brown dorsally on head and body and (abruptly) white below or dark brown and posterior part of the body is orange-yellow with narrow dark bars. E. pulcher has a solid color form and one in which the melanophores have been suppressed in portions of the posterior region of the body, thus forming vertical dark and pale stripes. This form is somewhat similar to the albicaudatus form in which the melanophores on the caudal peduncle have been suppressed. The two banded syntypes of E. pulcher comprise one male and one female. E. pulcher inhabits shallow rocky and coral reefs and usually found at depths between 1 – 25 m where it feeds mostly on algae. Typically this species is found to a depth of 10 m. E. pulcher has an oviparous life cycle, exhibits distinct pairing, and produces demersal, adhesive eggs; Oviparous, distinct paring. Eggs are demersal, adhesive and are attached to the substrate.