MALACANTHIDAE Hoplolatilus luteus, 12.3 cm SL (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Hoplolatilus luteus Allen and Kuiter, 1989 Yellow Sand Tilefish D X-XI, 21-22; A II, 18-19; P1 16; LLp 103-106; GR 6 + 12. Body moderately elongate, compressed. Mouth slightly inferior, oblique, maxillary reaching to between posterior rims of pupil and orbit; 5 pores on each side of symphysis. Preopercle serrate with enlarged spine at angle; opercular spine straight or curved. Dorsal fin nearly uniform in height except for lower anterior spinous portion; pectoral fin pointed, reaching a vertical at base of last dorsal spine; caudal fin truncate. Color: mainly bright yellow on head and body; a bluish spot above eye and conspicuous black spot rimmed with blue on upper operculum extending dorsally on part of head; fins mostly clear except central rays of caudal fin yellow with white streaks on upper and lower margins. Size: maximum length about 15 cm. Distribution: restricted distribution, presently known from Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia and the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand where it represents as a new record. Remarks: inhabits soft silty bottom at depths between 30-35 m. Solitary or live in pair, generally hovering a short distance above bottom.