| Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| Max. size: |
1.7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 8 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: known only from the western Gulf of Mexico reef systems within the Veracruz Marine Park. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-10. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the reddish orange blotches or broken bands on the head and the 13 reddish orange to dark brown bands found between the pectoral fin and caudal fin (Ref. 58341).
Description: Body elongate, laterally compressed, and naked except for usually 4 basicaudal ctenoid scales, which are typically arranged in a single, vertical row on each side of the peduncle; a specimen has a fifth scale in a second row on the right side, and another has two scales on the left ventral half of the peduncle, and none dorsally; tongue is bilobed; conical teeth arranged in a single row, but males have enlarged, recurved canines; males possess an elongated first dorsal spine and have a slender, conical genital papilla; females have a blunt papilla (Ref 58341). |
| Biology: |
This species typically occurs on brightly illuminated surfaces of either living Colpophyllia natans or algae encrusted covered coral remnants in shallow waters (3-8 m depth). Most specimens were observed not to move before an extremely close approach and once disturbed, individuals would move rapidly a short distance (less than 50 cm) across the substrate, before returning again to a stationary position. After repeated disturbances, these individuals would retreat into the cover of small holes, crevices or the underside of eroded corals. No feeding, cleaning and reproductive behaviors were observed (Ref. 58341). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 10 January 2014 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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