7 Mariana Islands species out of 14 reported | 20 Indo-Pacific species | 4 Western Atlantic species
The cryptic crevice dwellers group includes members of the Pseudochromidae (dottybacks), Anomalopidae (flashlightfishes), Plesiopids (longfins), and Serranidae: Grammistinae (soapfishes). As the group name implies, these species are usually found in the hidden recesses of the reef, and thus are not readily seen by divers and snorkelers. But with knowledge of their habitats and habits, persistence, and a little luck, one can find these shy reef inhabitants.
dottybacks
flashlightfishes
longfins
soapfishes
