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Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) — Pseudochromidae

Knight's pygmy basslet

Amsichthys knighti

The Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–30.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Admiralty Is., Philippines

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Description

Knight's pygmy basslet is a small, cryptic reef fish (Pseudochromidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, translucent to pale body with a long dorsal fin. As a shy dweller it shelters deep among coral rubble, sponges and crevices and snaps at tiny crustaceans and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Knight's pygmy basslet?

The Knight's pygmy basslet has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the Knight's pygmy basslet live?

The Knight's pygmy basslet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Admiralty Is., Philippines

How big does the Knight's pygmy basslet get?

The Knight's pygmy basslet grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Knight's pygmy basslet dangerous to humans?

No, the Knight's pygmy basslet is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) — Pseudochromidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) — Pseudochromidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) — Pseudochromidae — 4
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Knight's pygmy basslet (Amsichthys knighti) — Pseudochromidae — 5
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Knight's pygmy basslet sourced
Scientific name
Amsichthys knighti
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Bug-eyed dottyback; Knight's dottyback; Bugeye dottyback verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Admiralty Is., Philippines sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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