Teleostei (teleosts) >
Gobiiformes (Gobies) >
Gobiidae (Gobies) > Gobiinae
Etymology: Cryptocentrus: Greek, kryptos = hidden + Greek, kentron = sting (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Bleeker.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 12 m (Ref. 48637). Tropical
Western Central Pacific: Java, Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. Palau in Micronesia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 12.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 34765)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10. Characterized by brownish grey color; head and base of pectoral fin with numerous short blue oblique lines; 4-5 diffuse dark bars on side; anal fin with grey and yellow stripes; united pelvic fins, presence of frenum; longitudinal scale series 110; head without scales; greatest depth of body about 5.6 in SL; oblong caudal fin, slightly longer than head length (Ref. 90102).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated; Cross section: oval.
Found on fine sand bottoms in protected areas (Ref. 34765). A pair shares a burrow with a Alpheus sp. (Ref. 34765). Inhabits protected fine-sand lagoons or bays in 2-12 depth range (Ref. 48637). Also found in silty coastal reefs, often in turbid water with poor visibility (Ref 90102).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Myers, R.F., 1999. Micronesian reef fishes. A comprehensive guide to the coral reef fishes of Micronesia. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 216 p. (Ref. 34765)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources