Hetereleotris psammophila Kovačić & Bogorodsky, 2014
Hetereleotris psammophila
photo by Amar, R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.69 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 8 - 21 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: endemic to the Red Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,10, with no prolonged spines; A I,9; pectoral-fin rays 14-15, with 2 upper rays having short free tips; pelvic-fin rays I,5, with fifth ray unbranched or with one bifurcation; pelvic fins are separated and without fraenum; scales absent; head canals absent; suborbital rows of papillae with 4 transversal rows; anterior nostril long tube without process from the rim, posterior nostril short tube, about 1/3 length of anterior nostril; gill opening is restricted to pectoral-fin base; in life body transparent with scattered tiny whitish blue and brownish yellow spots aligned in vertical rows, and the vertical dark bar at the caudal-fin base; predorsal area is mottled with brown; head with dark brown bar extending obliquely from eye to upper lip, and 3 iridescent bluish blotches on cheek; when preserved coloration pattern is mostly lost except dark bar at caudal-fin base (Ref. 94944).
Biology:  Observed on sand bottom close to coral reefs and found to be active at night. It was also observed in Naama Bay, Gulf of Aqaba at depth of 8 m. When disturbed, it quickly retreated, but not trying to hide or burrow in the sand (Ref. 94944).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 February 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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