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: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.