Fusigobius maximus (Randall, 2001)
Large sandgoby
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6.88 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 21 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines and the Coral Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Characterized by semi-translucent body with dusky orange-yellow spots on head, body, dorsal and caudal fins; first membrane of dorsal fin with vertically elongate black spot; black spot at midbase of caudal fin; fully united pelvic fins; presence of pelvic frenum; rounded caudal fin; longitudinal scale series 26-27; ctenoid scales except cycloid on breast, base of pectoral fin and anteroventrally on abdomen; absence of scales on operculum; median predorsal scales absent, but scales on side of nape extending to above rear edge of preopercle; opening of gill extending to within one-fifth opercle width from posterior edge of preopercle; depth of body 4.7-5.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits sand-rubble bottoms near reefs in 3-21 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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