Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is likely to be fairly common in the Maldives, however, it is rarely seen by divers due to its deep-dwelling habitat. It appears to be more prevalent in depths of 50-60 meters.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. recorded 7.2 cm (standard length)
color
Females pink, shading to pale yellow below; yellow on top of head and dorsal fin. Males bright red anteriorly, pale yellow posteriorly; anterior parts of dorsal and anal fins bright orange-yellow.
The species is typically found in groups on the outer edges of coral reefs in depths greater than 30 meters, where it feeds on zooplankton that is suspended in the water column.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 9 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 9 rays, a pectoral fin with 15 rays, a body depth of 3.5 in standard length, moderately large eyes (with a diameter of about 3.5 in standard length), an interrupted lateral line, and a rounded caudal fin.