Vanderbilt's Chromis: An Aquatic Gem Unveiled
An academic exploration of Pycnochromis vanderbilti, detailing its taxonomy, ecological significance, and conservation standing.
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Overview
Species Identification
Pycnochromis vanderbilti, commonly recognized as Vanderbilt's chromis, is a species of damselfish. This species is indigenous to the vast marine ecosystems of both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is found inhabiting the marine environments of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its distribution spans across these major oceanic basins, indicating a broad ecological adaptability within tropical and subtropical waters.
Classification
Taxonomic Hierarchy
The scientific classification of Pycnochromis vanderbilti places it within the Animalia kingdom, reflecting its status as a multicellular organism. Its placement within the Chordata phylum signifies the presence of a notochord at some stage of development. Further classification places it within the Actinopterygii class (ray-finned fishes), the Blenniiformes order, and the Pomacentridae family, commonly known as damselfishes.
Rank | Name |
---|---|
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Blenniiformes |
Family: | Pomacentridae |
Genus: | Pycnochromis |
Species: | P. vanderbilti |
Etymology
Honoring an Explorer
The specific epithet, vanderbilti, serves as an honorific designation. It commemorates the distinguished yachtsman and explorer, George Washington Vanderbilt III (1914–1961). Vanderbilt was instrumental in organizing a significant expedition to Oahu in 1940, during which the type specimen for this species was collected. The naming acknowledges Vanderbilt's substantial contributions to the ichthyological collections at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, a testament to his patronage of scientific endeavors.
Nomenclature Details
The species was formally described by Henry Weed Fowler in 1941. Initially classified under the genus Chromis, it has since been reclassified into the genus Pycnochromis. The synonym Chromis vanderbilti reflects its historical taxonomic placement.
Conservation Status
IUCN Assessment
Pycnochromis vanderbilti is currently assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a species of Least Concern. This classification (IUCN 3.1) indicates that, based on current data, the species is not considered threatened with extinction. Its populations are believed to be stable, and it is relatively widespread across its natural range.
External Resources
Taxon Identifiers and Databases
Explore comprehensive data and resources for Pycnochromis vanderbilti across various scientific databases:
Additional visual resources are available:
- Photos of Pycnochromis vanderbilti in the Sealife Collection
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or complete information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, users are advised that the data may be subject to change and may not be exhaustive.
This is not professional scientific advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified marine biologists, ichthyologists, or conservation experts. Always consult with professionals for specific research or conservation needs. Reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
The creators of this page assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information presented.