Dr. Bart Hazes, Kanada
Info
Manonichthys scintilla Gill & Williams, 2011
Sparkfin Dottyback
Species of Manonichthys facultatively enter large sponges. However, no large sponges were observed at the collection sites. Found in outer reefs and lagoons in 2-33 m
This wonderful fish is seldomly seen in the shops and therfore quite expensive. May get agressive against others of his species and smaller fish.
Main reference:
Gill, A.C. and J.T. Williams, 2011. Description of two new species of Pseudochrominae from northern Palawan and Mindoro, Philippine Islands (Teleostei: Perciformes: Pseudochromidae). Zootaxa 3140:49-59. (Ref. 88961)
Dr. Bart Hazes was able to photograph a living specimen of Manonichthys scintilla near Sibaltan, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, date 2026.02.28.
Dr. Tony Gill confirmed the ID, noting that this animal represents an individual variation within the species.
The original description was based on only a handful of specimens, so the slight variation in coloration you observed is not too surprising.
Sparkfin Dottyback
Species of Manonichthys facultatively enter large sponges. However, no large sponges were observed at the collection sites. Found in outer reefs and lagoons in 2-33 m
This wonderful fish is seldomly seen in the shops and therfore quite expensive. May get agressive against others of his species and smaller fish.
Main reference:
Gill, A.C. and J.T. Williams, 2011. Description of two new species of Pseudochrominae from northern Palawan and Mindoro, Philippine Islands (Teleostei: Perciformes: Pseudochromidae). Zootaxa 3140:49-59. (Ref. 88961)
Dr. Bart Hazes was able to photograph a living specimen of Manonichthys scintilla near Sibaltan, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, date 2026.02.28.
Dr. Tony Gill confirmed the ID, noting that this animal represents an individual variation within the species.
The original description was based on only a handful of specimens, so the slight variation in coloration you observed is not too surprising.
