Rhinogobius biwaensis Takahashi & Okazaki, 2017

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobionellinae
Max. size:  4.31 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.3 cm SL (female)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 25-27. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 26 (rarely 27) vertebrae; 18-22 (mostly 20-21) pectoral fin rays; 31-36 (usually 31-34, mode 32) longitudinal scales; absent or few predorsal scales; D1 low with non-filamentous spines, all almost of the same length except for shorter first and sixth or last spines in both sexes; pelvic disk with thin membranes, its frenum undeveloped with low, thin lamella; no mark on cheek; back and sides of body with 5-6 unclear dark saddles and 6-9 dark blotches; D1 without blotches but melanized to greater or lesser degree along the rays; dorsal edge of pectoral base with a small, dark spot tinged with blue metallic luster; breeding males yellow on suboperculum and branchiostegal region and on basal part of anal fin, blue on medial part of under jaw (Ref. 114784).
Biology:  Found in the lake mainly at 10-30 m, scarce in the mouths or lowest reaches of inflowing rivers, and in lagoons connected to Lake Biwa. From May to August, this species migrate to shallow water for spawning; all habitats are effectively lentic (Ref. 114784).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 March 2018 (A2d+4d; B1ab(i,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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