Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
Max. size: |
18 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Characterized by pale grey body color, grading to white ventrally; presence of five, blue-edged bars extending ventrally to middle of side, each bar containing reddish brown to black blotch at bottom; blue bands; spots on head; pectoral fin base with a pair of pink stripes; dorsal fin with narrow pink bands and blue to reddish spots on second dorsal and caudal fins; without dorsal filamentous spines; rhomboid caudal fin, longer than head; length of caudal fin 2.7 in SL; longitudinal scale series 80-121; ctenoid body scales , becoming cycloid anteriorly below first or second dorsal spine; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward to above middle of operculum; usually scaled pectoral fin base in adult; partly or fully scaled prepelvic area of adult; depth of body 6.0-6.7 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
Biology: |
Occurs in areas of fine sand and shallow lagoon reefs at depths less than 3 m, rarely at depths greater than 6 m. Adults usually in pairs, constructing burrows under rubble. Monogamous (Ref. 52884, 48637). Feeds on small invertebrates (e.g. copepods, amphipods, ostracods, nematodes, and foraminiferans) by sifting mouthfuls of sand. |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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