Ptereleotris helenae (Randall, 1968)
Hovering goby
photo by Abgarian, C.

Family:  Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southeastern Florida, USA and throughout the Antilles (Ref. 7251), and Brazil (Ref. 40101).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 21-23. Body pale bluish-gray, with lavender overtones. Fins paler, greenish yellow; caudal fins rounded, moderately long. Mouth very oblique. Scales very small, about 145 in lateral series (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Found on sandy or coral rubble bottoms (Ref. 9710). Inhabits 'U-shaped' burrows. Often in pairs. Feeds on zooplankton. Hovers head down near burrow (Ref. 9710). Monogamous (Ref. 52884).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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