Scientific Name
Thalasseleotris iota
Common Name
New Zealand pygmy sleeper
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 7 - 8;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 8-10;
Anal
spines: 1;
Anal
soft rays: 7 - 9. Diagnosis: This species differs from T. adela Hoese & Larson, 1987, in having a narrower gill opening, extending forward to below posterior margin of eye or slightly behind eye (vs. under middle of eye); less extensively scaled body, with naked area reaching to below second dorsal origin or beyond (vs. near end of first dorsal fin); higher transverse scale count (usually 7 - 8 vs. 6 - 7); modally lower vertebral count (10+16 vs. 10+17); anterior nasal tube distinctly longer than posterior nasal tube (vs. subequal); two anal pterygiophores before first haemal spine (vs. 1); uppermost scale and lowermost scale on base of caudal fin with enlarged peripheral cteni (vs. no enlarged peripheral cteni). There are several color differences, including: lacking a black spot posteriorly on the first dorsal fin; usually 5 - 6 small black more or less rounded spots on the ventra