Oplopomus caninoides (Bleeker, 1852)
Triplespot goby
Oplopomus caninoides
photo by Greenfield, J.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 66 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldives. Also reported from New Caledonia (Ref. 11889).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Characterized by pale grey body color with numerous small white dots and larger brown spots on head and body; row of four large ovate blotches along side at level of pectoral fin base; base of caudal fin with additional spot; united pelvic fins, well developed frenum present; rounded caudal fin, slightly shorter than HL; longitudinal scale series 28-29; ctenoid scales on body and nape; cycloid scales on prepectoral area, breast, cheek and opercle; predorsal scales about 12; 1-2 small spines on preopercular margin just above angle; depth of body 4.2-4.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal sand and mud flats, mainly in deepest parts of estuaries and at moderate depth, about 20 meters, in coastal bays (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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