Striated Rockskipper

Praealticus striatus

The striated rockskipper is a small reef fish found in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly in the South China Sea. It is recognized by its greenish-grey coloration with a white abdomen and distinctive dark vertical lines on its cheeks, snout, and lips. The body features about five pairs of dark bars on its sides, and its dorsal fin is marked with oblique yellow bands. The species can reach a maximum length of 9 cm and has a deeply notched dorsal fin with 12 to 14 spines and 16 to 20 soft rays. This fish inhabits rocky shores and the intertidal zone, often found in shallow coastal waters. It is a demersal species, meaning it lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the sea. The striated rockskipper is oviparous, with eggs that are adhesive and attach to substrates via a filamentous pad. The larvae are planktonic, drifting in the water column until they mature. Divers may encounter the striated rockskipper in shallow waters, often less than 10 meters deep. It is a harmless species and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Observing this fish can be an interesting experience due to its unique markings and behavior in its natural rocky habitat.