| Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| Max. size: |
2.34 cm SL (male/unsexed); 1.99 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 45 - 65 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: Papua New Guinea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: segmented dorsal-fin rays 9; segmented anal-fin rays 8; lateral scales 21-22; predorsal scales 7-8; reduced cephalic sensory-canal pores, with only posterior nasals (B’), posterior interorbital (D), anterior otics (F), and intertemporals (H’); cephalic sensory papillae rows 20 and 21 separate and with 10 transverse mandibular papillae rows; absence of pelvic frenum and connecting membrane restricted to basal half of fin; cycloid scales anteriorly, becoming ctenoid posteriorly below the level of base of second or third segmented dorsal-fin ray. Colour pattern when alive mottled brown with gray lateral stripes corresponding to lateral-scale rows, whitish margins with orange vermiculations on dorsal fins and upper edge of caudal fin, and basal half of first-dorsal fin with a yellow-edged partial ocellus (Ref. 122935).
Description: Urogenital papilla of male with a triangular base and a slender, tubular distal tip, and all covered with pepper-like melanophores, while in female it is broad (width and length about equal) with a flattened, darkly-pigmented ventral surface and a pair of tiny cirri laterally at distal edge of each side (Ref. 122935). |
| Biology: |
This species was found on steep, volcanic-sand slopes; under small pieces of coral rubble and volcanic rock that were often covered with Halimeda algae. Strong thermoclines were frequently encountered between 40-50 m on these slopes, thus consequently this species is likely exposed to temperatures ranging from about 24-29º C (Ref. 122935). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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